After a two-week stint behind “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” surged ahead to reclaim the top position at the North American box office, earning $26.1 million in ticket sales this past weekend, according to studio estimates released on Sunday. This marks a significant milestone for the film, which has grossed an impressive $703.9 million worldwide and continues its robust performance.
The Lionsgate production is steadily edging closer to surpassing the current record holder in the musical biopic genre, Bohemian Rhapsody, which amassed over $910.8 million globally. As the competition intensifies, the box office landscape appears set for shifts, especially with the upcoming release of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” premiering next weekend, which is expected to attract substantial audiences.
In its third weekend, The Devil Wears Prada 2 secured the second spot, accruing $18 million and bringing its domestic total to $175.9 million and global earnings to $546.2 million. This strong performance signifies the film's enduring appeal among cinema-goers.
Among the new releases this weekend, Obsession, characterized as a relationship horror film, led the pack by exceeding expectations with an estimated $16.1 million from 2,615 theaters. Directed and written by YouTube sensation Curry Barker, the thriller features a storyline where a hopeless romantic encounters unforeseen consequences when his crush reciprocates his feelings. Garnering positive reviews, with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- CinemaScore from audiences, the film was produced on a budget of merely $750,000 and was reportedly acquired by Focus Features for around $15 million after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall.
Fourth place at the box office was claimed by Mortal Kombat II, which experienced a steep 65% decline in its second weekend, bringing in $13.4 million in domestic ticket sales. Its global earnings stand at $101.2 million across 80 markets, indicating a mixed reception in the ongoing box office battle.
Amazon MGM Studios proudly showcased three films in the top 10. The Sheep Detectives ranked fifth with a modest drop from its opening weekend, raking in an additional $10.2 million, resulting in a cumulative total of $30.5 million. Meanwhile, Project Hail Mary, now available for home rental or purchase, gathered another $3.4 million in its ninth weekend in theaters. Closing out the top 10 was Is God Is, an adaptation of Aleshea Harris's award-winning play, which follows twin sisters, portrayed by Kara Young and Mallori Johnson, on a quest against their abusive father. The film opened to a respectable $2.2 million and enjoys a strong 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Meanwhile, the action-thriller In the Grey, released by Black Bear, managed to attract $3 million from 2,018 locations. Featuring stars like Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González, the film details the exploits of a team of elite operatives on a seemingly impossible mission. However, it currently holds a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has a B CinemaScore from audiences, indicating a lukewarm reception compared to its competitors.
As the box office landscape evolves, these numbers reflect both the fierce competition and the varying audience interests, setting the stage for an exciting few weeks ahead in cinema.
