Box Office Buzz: 28 Years Later Gains Momentum While Elio Faces Struggles
Sony’s highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later, has kicked off strong at the domestic box office, raking in $14 million during its opening weekend, including preview screenings. Meanwhile, Disney’s latest animated effort, Elio, appears to be heading for a record low debut, putting Pixar’s legacy at risk.
The Resurgence of a Zombie Classic
28 Years Later is not only performing well; it’s poised for an opening weekend that may exceed $30 million. This surpasses initial projections and serves as a promising start for a franchise desperate for revitalization. With a budget of $60 million, the film is the product of a bidding war, bringing back the acclaimed duo of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who first collaborated on the cult classic 28 Days Later back in 2002.
A Future in the Making
Adding fuel to the excitement, Sony has already completed filming a sequel titled The Bone Temple, slated for release in January 2026. Meanwhile, a third installment is awaiting green light, dependent on the box office performance of this entry.
Mixed Reviews: A Double-Edged Sword
The response to 28 Years Later has generally been positive, boasting an impressive lineup featuring stars like Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and newcomer Alfie Williams. However, audience reactions have been more lukewarm, reflected in a “B” grade from polling firm CinemaScore, which is relatively standard for horror films.
Pixar’s Elio: A Tale of Disappointment
In stark contrast, Pixar’s Elio only managed to gross $9 million from 3,750 theaters on Friday, including previews. This marks a significant fall from grace, especially considering Pixar’s recent triumphs, like Inside Out 2, which opened to a staggering $155 million last year. Now, Elio is on track for what could become Pixar’s lowest domestic debut ever, trailing well behind Elemental’s $29 million opening in 2023.
Can Elio Bounce Back?
While it’s worth noting that Elemental did manage to recover later on, concluding its theatrical run with a remarkable $484 million globally—a notable 5.22x multiplier—Elio faces an uphill battle. It received better reviews and an “A” grade from CinemaScore, but it will need a substantial turnaround to redeem itself, given its hefty $150 million production budget.
Continued Success for How to Train Your Dragon
Despite 28 Years Later and Elio vying for attention, How to Train Your Dragon retains its hold on the box office. The sequel garnered another $10.8 million on Friday, pushing its projected total for the weekend to $35.7 million. This would represent a 58% drop from its opening, yet it’s still on track to amass a domestic gross of around $160 million in its first ten days.
Other Box Office Highlights
In fourth place, Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch continues to draw audiences, earning another $3 million on Friday. With projections of around $10 million for the weekend, it’s set to become the 55th-biggest domestic grosser of all time, surpassing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II.
Completing the top five is Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, maintaining its strong performance with an expected $178.9 million total through its fifth week, demonstrating Tom Cruise’s undeniable star power.
Closing Remarks
With 28 Years Later making waves and Elio struggling to find its footing, the box office landscape remains as dynamic as ever. As audiences flock to theaters, only time will tell how these films will ultimately fare. Will 28 Years Later reignite a beloved franchise, or will Elio surprise us all with a miraculous comeback? Stay tuned for more updates in the ever-evolving world of cinema!
