“Wuthering Heights” Storms the Box Office: What It Means for Hollywood’s Future
The novel adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has captivated audiences worldwide, raking in US$76.8m (£56m, A$108m) in its opening weekend. Although slightly below initial projections, the film’s success signals a potentially shifting landscape for Warner Bros. And the broader film industry.
A Strong Start Despite Mixed Reviews
“Wuthering Heights” secured the year’s biggest opening so far with US$34.8m in North America from 3,682 locations. Internationally, the film exceeded expectations, earning US$42m in 76 territories. Notably, international audiences included a larger proportion of male viewers compared to the 76% female audience in North America. The film’s strong performance in Australia, earning A$6.07m (US$4.3m), was attributed to the “home field advantage” of its Australian stars, Robbie, and Elordi.
Despite a mixed critical reception – currently at 63% on Rotten Tomatoes – and a less-than-stellar B CinemaScore, audiences flocked to theaters. Only 51% of opening-weekend viewers indicated they would “definitely recommend” the film, suggesting word-of-mouth may be lukewarm. However, with a projected global total of US$82m including the US long weekend, the film is on track to recoup its US$80m production budget.
Warner Bros. Amidst a Takeover Bid
The success of “Wuthering Heights” is particularly significant given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery. The film marks the studio’s ninth consecutive No. 1 opening, following a successful 2025 slate including “A Minecraft Movie,” “Final Destination Bloodlines,” and “Weapons.” This string of hits comes as Paramount continues its hostile takeover bid, competing with Netflix for control of the studio.
The Power of Star Power and Romantic Drama
The film’s success underscores the enduring appeal of romantic dramas and the power of star power. The intense off-screen chemistry between Robbie and Elordi, heavily publicized during the press tour, undoubtedly contributed to the film’s buzz. This mirrors promotional strategies used for films like “Anyone But You” and “A Star is Born,” where rumored romances fueled audience interest.
Box Office Landscape: Beyond “Wuthering Heights”
Beyond “Wuthering Heights,” the box office saw strong performances from other releases. Stephen Curry’s animated film “GOAT” landed in second place with an estimated US$26m, marking the biggest animated debut since “Elemental” in 2023. “Crime 101,” starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, opened to US$15.1m. Walt Disney Studios also reached a milestone, becoming the first studio to surpass $1bn at the global box office in 2026, largely driven by “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and “Zootopia 2.”
Future Releases and Global Expansion
“Wuthering Heights” still has significant potential for growth with upcoming releases planned in Japan and Vietnam on February 27th, and in China on March 13th. These international markets could further boost the film’s box office earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Was “Wuthering Heights” a critical success?
A: The film received mixed reviews from critics, currently holding a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Q: How much did “Wuthering Heights” cost to produce?
A: The production budget for “Wuthering Heights” was reported to be US$80 million.
Q: What other films has Emerald Fennell directed?
A: Information regarding other films directed by Emerald Fennell is not available in the provided sources.
Q: What is Warner Bros.’ current situation?
A: Warner Bros. Is currently facing a potential takeover bid from Paramount, competing with Netflix.
Did you know? The film’s success comes at a crucial time for Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially influencing the outcome of the ongoing takeover battle.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on international box office numbers, particularly in China and Japan, as they will be key indicators of “Wuthering Heights'” long-term success.
What are your thoughts on the new “Wuthering Heights” adaptation? Share your opinions in the comments below!
d, without any additional comments or text.
[/gpt3]
