LOS ANGELES, Apr. 18 (US): “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” the third chapter of the Harry Potter series, has raised $43 million in its domestic debut at the box office.
In times of pandemic, those ticket sales have been enough to drive the box office charts this weekend and get one of the biggest openings in North America in 2022. But it’s also a sign of JK’s short supply.
Rowling’s lucrative and ever-expanding magical world. With mixed comments and growing indifference toward former series star Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his co-stars, “Dumbledore’s Secrets” is the worst start for a “Harry Potter” franchise. (His predecessors’ 2016 “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” made $74 million in North America, while the follow-up to 2018’s The Crimes of Grindelwald cost $62 million.)
The waning enthusiasm for “Fantastic Beasts” is a problem because magic and magic don’t come cheap. Warner Bros. spent $200 million for the production of “Dumbledore’s Secrets,” and the studio spent tens of millions to promote the film to audiences around the world. Like its predecessors, Dumbledore’s Secrets will depend on the international box office to make money in its theatrical run. Reuters reports that the first two batches of “Fantastic Beasts” — which ended up with $814 million worldwide and $650 million worldwide, respectively — generated nearly 75% of revenue from overseas sales.
Fantastic Beasts 3 has also been a bigger draw for audiences overseas. Since the movie debuted in several overseas markets last weekend, Dumbledore’s Secrets has grossed $193 million globally so far. But the persistence of the emerging Corona virus led to a storming of the box office in China, where 50% of cinemas were closed, while the Russian invasion of Ukraine means that this country is not given access to Hollywood films. Those limitations were difficult for all blockbuster films. Since the pandemic began in 2020, only five Hollywood films have grossed at least $500 million at the global box office.
“Harry Potter” veteran David Yates directed the third chapter of the prequel series, which follows beloved Hogwarts professor Albus Dumbledore (portrayed by Jude Law). But he’s only one of Dumbledore’s couple with “secrets,” as indicated in the movie’s title. In Fantastic Beasts 3, co-written by Rowling and another “Potter” alum Steve Kloves, young(er) Albus and Scamander, a prominent magistologist, team up to thwart dark wizard Gilert Grindelwald (Mads Michelson, replacing Johnny Depp) from starting a war. Charming international. The cast also includes Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, and Jessica Williams.
Variety’s Peter Debruge described the film as a “massively improved sequel,” which doesn’t say much because fans weren’t particularly receptive to the final entry. The prequel saga, which predates the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, is intended to be a five-movie series, but Warner Bros. executives are waiting to see how audiences receive “Dumbledore’s Secrets” before offering four films. And five green light. Fantastic Beasts 3 has a “B+” CinemaScore score, the same as its predecessor. The movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” got higher grades, and an “A-” grade from the moviegoers.
Off-screen “Fantastic Beasts” has been controversial. On top of declining box office ticket sales, the series has been hit with negative backlash over Rowling’s controversial views on sex and gender identity, as well as allegations of domestic violence that forced Depp out of the franchise. Miller, who had a major role in the latter film, was recently arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and harassment, although the temporary restraining order against the actor was recently dropped. While moviegoers may not be aware of all the scandals that have plagued “Fantastic Beasts,” it is internally at Warner Bros. It’s become a headache, and it’s less fun to put up with because the series doesn’t exactly make money in its theatrical trajectory. However, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is much more than just a movie franchise. The fictional universe has established itself for lucrative amusement parks, live events, and Broadway plays, as well as the fortunes of consumer products and success in home entertainment.
Another major release this weekend, R-rated Sony’s religious drama “Father Stow,” failed to debut domestically, bringing in just $5 million from 2,705 theaters in North America. The film, which has fallen to fifth, has grossed $8 million since its opening on Wednesday. Mark Wahlberg, who stars in the film with Mel Gibson, produced “Father Stu” and used his own money when COVID-19 incurred additional production costs.
Gibson’s partner Rosalind Ross wrote and directed the film which tells the story of father Stuart Long-turned-priest boxer and his inspiring journey from self-destruction to redemption. “Father Stu” is Gibson’s first major studio movie since 2017’s “Daddy’s Home 2” from Paramount Pictures. Academy Award winner for “Braveheart” and Academy Award nominee for “Hacksaw Ridge,” Gibson has worked largely on smaller independent action films and direct action films with Lionsgate and Saban Films in the decade since it made headlines with anti-Semitic and racist rhetoric. .
In second place, Paramount’s family-friendly “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” hit $30 million from 4,258 cinemas, down 58% in its second weekend of release. With “Sonic 2” continuing to capture the attention of audiences, the film has grossed $119.6 million in North America so far.
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum’s romantic, action-adventure adventure “The Lost City” took third place for the second weekend in a row. The film, also produced by Paramount Pictures, took in $6.5 million in its fourth week in theaters, bringing its domestic credit to $78.5 million.
The overloaded A24 class “everything everywhere every time” had another great run, moving to fourth place with $6.1 million from 2,220 screens. Directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and starring Michelle Yeoh in a multiverse blend of action, adventure, comedy, and sci-fi, he has grossed $17.6 million to date.
MI