It took a combo ofDwayne Johnson(Fast X) andChris Evans(Deadpool & Wolverine) for this to happen, but after several weeks at the top,Venom: The Last Dancewas finally dethroned. The Marvel antihero was no match for the Christmas comedy action movieRed One, whose performance has been defying reviews. The movie currently stands ata pretty low average of 33%on Rotten Tomatoes, but it managed to rake in $34 million domestically over the weekend and signal to distributors that theHoliday seasonis officially a go at the box office.
ButVenomwon’t go down without a fight. The threequel clung to #2 and this week brought in an extra $7.3 million domestically. Internationally, the movie’s performance continues to be one of the year’s best: It is now at $436 million, which is a lot more thanSonybargained for at this point.The trilogyhas raked in over a billion dollars in theaters, which means that even though theSpider-ManUniversehasn’t had the best outcome with every title,Venomwill stay with us for a little longer.
Another title that underscores that audiences are in a holiday-season mood isThe Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which once again wasat #3 domestically. This time, the movie raked in $5.4 million, while last week’s #2Hereticdropped two positions and landed at #4 with#5.1 million raked in. The horror movie starringHugh Grant(Wonka) came at the end of thespooky seasonand had a strong debut, but now that the happiest season is upon us, moviegoers might stray away from the bleaker stories.
A Robot, a Priest, and a Pop Star Are Still Hanging Out At the Top
The next three positions of this weekend’s box office are titles that have shown incredible resilience and resonated pretty well with audiences: Animated movieThe Wild Robotstill managed to stay in the top 5 and this week landed at #5 with 4.3 million. The movie haspassed the $300 million markand is already one of the year’s biggest surprises at the box office. Next up was the horror sequelSmile 2at #6 with $2.9 million, taking itsoverall performanceto $131 million globally. Last but not least, the Oscar-buzzy Catholic thrillerConclaveis still reeling people in,this week at #6 with 2.8 million.
Next week, those numbers are likely to suffer a massive shake-up once industry heavyweightsWickedandGladiator IIfinally premiere in North America. It will be interesting to see howRed Onefares against such huge titles, and what will happen toVenomonce it faces off with moreblockbustersfor the crown. In any case, it will be a pretty diverse weekend for anyone who goes to the movies, with plenty of options in every genre.
Gladiator IItickets are already available for pre-order.
Gladiator II
Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus’s beloved Lucilla, returns to Rome after years in the wilderness. Captured by Roman forces led by General Marcus Acacius, he is thrust into the gladiatorial arena. As he battles for survival, he encounters Macrinus, a former slave-turned-merchant, and faces the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla and Geta.
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