Disney’s Lilo & Stitch continues to capture hearts and box office revenue, performing a delightful pirouette around Ballerina this weekend.
The Box Office Dance: Lilo & Stitch Holds Strong
For the **third consecutive weekend**, Lilo topped the **North American box office** with an impressive **$32.5 million** from **4,185 theaters**. This animated treasure successfully crossed the **$300 million mark** on Thursday and now boasts a **global total of $772.6 million**, comprising **$335.8 million domestically** and **$436.8 million overseas**.
Ballerina’s Soft Opening
On the other hand, Ballerina, the anticipated first spinoff from the **John Wick** universe, opened to a ***soft $25 million*** from **3,409 venues**. Unfortunately, this marks the lowest debut for any film in the franchise, aside from the original John Wick, which is surprising given the film’s **high expectations**.
Expectations vs. Reality
Just three weeks ago, Ballerina was projected to open at **$35 million or more**, but as the weekend approached, forecasts dipped to **$30 million**, and eventually settled below that mark. However, not all is bleak— the film received an **A- CinemaScore** and boasts impressive audience ratings, with a **94% score on Rotten Tomatoes** and positive feedback on PostTrak, signaling it could still find its footing at the box office.
The Talent Behind Ballerina
Starring **Ana de Armas** in the titular role, Ballerina features well-known faces like **Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, and Gabriel Byrne**. The film, directed by **Len Wiseman** from a script by **Shay Hatten**, centers on the journey of Eve Macarro (de Armas) as she trains in the assassin traditions of the **Ruska Roma** during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
A Male-Dominated Audience
Interestingly, Ballerina is attracting a predominantly male audience—**63%** male attendance, according to PostTrak. Despite its modest opening, Lionsgate and Thunder Road Films managed to recoup a significant portion of the **$90 million production budget** through overseas sales, highlighting the ongoing international appeal of the John Wick franchise.
The Competition Heats Up
In an action-packed weekend, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning secured the third spot, generating an estimated **$15 million** from **3,456 locations**, totaling **$149.2 million** domestically. With solid international numbers—adding another **$40.7 million** for a global total of **$450.4 million**—the film is proving to be a formidable contender in the box office arena.
Meanwhile, Sony’s **Karate Kid: Legends** dropped over **57%** in its second weekend, earning **$8.7 million** for a cumulative total of **$35.4 million**. Rounding out the top five was New Line’s **Final Destination: Bloodlines**, grossing **$6.5 million** and bringing its domestic total to **$123.6 million**.
The Final Word
As Disney’s beloved **Lilo & Stitch** dances its way to box office glory, Ballerina faces an uphill battle in a crowded action genre landscape. The competition is fierce, and while **Ballerina** has garnered a critical foundation, its soft opening raises questions about its longevity in the box office dance. The upcoming weeks will reveal if the film can gracefully recover and secure its place within the thriving **John Wick** universe.
