North American Box Office: ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ dominates with mighty $57 million debut
Paramount’s family film “Sonic the Hedgehog” ignited over Presidents Day weekend with $ 57 million in North America and $ 100 million globally, the best showing ever for a video game adaptation.
“Sonic” is expected to earn $ 68 million through Monday, one of the best hauls for the holiday weekend. The better-than-expected start is even more notable since movies based on video games tend to be rejected by moviegoers.
That could have been a reality for “Sonic” had director Jeff Fowler not gone back to the drawing board after immense internet backlash over the first trailer. The movie, which cost $ 87 million to make, was postponed three months to give the filmmakers enough time to redesign the title character. It proved to be a sound decision, since audiences gave the film an “A” CinemaScore.
“Sonic” unseated last weekend’s victor, Warner Bros.’ comic-book adaptation “Birds of Prey,” for the No. 1 spot on box office charts. After its disappointing $ 33 million debut, Margot Robbie-led superhero adventure landed in second place with $ 17.1 million over the weekend and is expected to pull in $ 19.6 million through Monday. Those ticket sales would push its domestic haul to $ 61.7 million.
A number of movies opened alongside “Sonic” this weekend, including Universal’s romance drama “The Photograph,” Sony’s thriller “Fantasy Island” and Searchlight Pictures’ remake “Downhill.”
“Fantasy Island” came in third place with $ 12.4 million and is eyeing $ 14 million through Monday. The PG-13 horror remake of the classic TV show, produced by Blumhouse, cost $ 7 million.
“The Photograph” earned $ 12.2 million over the weekend, enough for the No. 4 spot, and could make $ 13.3 over the four-day stretch, on par with expectations. That’s a solid start since the film cost $ 15 million to produce. “The Photograph,” starring Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, was written and directed by Stella Meghie and produced by Will Packer (“Girls Trip,” “Ride Along”).
“Downhill,” a black comedy starring Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, debuted at No. 10 with $ 4.6 million over the weekend and should bring in $ 5.2 million through Presidents Day.
