Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is exceeding expectations at the box office, with a projected $70 million domestic opening weekend, well above the initial prediction of $50 million. With Spring Break and Easter holidays bringing in large crowds, the film is expected to continue performing well in the coming weeks alongside other box office leaders like Dune: Part II and Kung Fu Panda 4. Godzilla x Kong earned $10 million in early screenings and is projected to gross over $150-160 million internationally, with a possibility of reaching $170 million depending on audience reception.
Premium theaters are expected to play a significant role in boosting box office revenue this weekend, with Godzilla x Kong and Dune: Part II both contributing to an increase in total weekend attendance and revenue. Monkey Man and Civil War are the only notable challengers to these films in the coming weeks, with Monkey Man likely to perform well but not as a blockbuster, while Civil War may struggle due to audience fatigue with political themes. Estimates for Civil War’s domestic opening weekend are at $25 million, but its performance outside the U.S. is uncertain.
Warner Bros. Discovery and Legendary Pictures, the studios behind Godzilla x Kong and Dune: Part II, are set to benefit from the success of these films. It is projected that Godzilla x Kong could potentially reach $400-500 million at the box office, while Dune: Part II may exceed $650 million. Despite any past struggles, Warner Bros. Discovery has seen success with recent releases like Barbie, Wonka, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, setting the stage for a potentially successful first quarter in 2024 with the performance of these current films.
Audience scores for Godzilla x Kong are expected to be positive, and strong word of mouth could further boost the film’s performance in the coming weeks. With marketing and buzz surrounding the film revealing its well-kept secrets, audience interest is likely to continue growing. The success of Godzilla Minus One, which has garnered acclaim and box office success, is also benefiting Godzilla x Kong as both films generate buzz and marketing momentum. The upcoming success of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire could provide an additional boost for Godzilla Minus One upon its home entertainment release.
