In a weekend dominated by delightful puppies, “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” emerged victorious at the domestic box office, raking in an impressive $23 million from 3,989 theaters. This triumph is not only significant for the film but also marks a crucial win for the family-friendly market.
The good news extends beyond American shores, as this sequel displayed its strength by amassing $23.1 million across 45 international markets. This global debut resulted in a staggering $46.1 million in total revenue, representing a remarkable 70% increase compared to its predecessor. Notably, parents and children comprised a substantial 90% of the North American audience, with exceptional performance in most regions, except the Western United States.
“Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” stands as a testament to its economical production cost of just $30 million. This success follows in the paw prints of the 2021 hit, “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” which started with a domestic opening of $13.1 million and evolved into a sleeper hit, ultimately grossing an impressive $140 million worldwide. Considering the challenges posed by the pandemic and a simultaneous debut on Paramount+, these numbers are particularly noteworthy. Fans can also look forward to a third installment, expected to grace the screens in 2026.
The film features an ensemble cast including Taraji P. Henson, Kristen Bell, Christian Convery, Brice Gonzalez, Mckenna Grace, and Lil Rel Howery. “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” is a collaborative effort between Paramount, Spin Master, and Nickelodeon, cementing its status as a rising star in the world of family entertainment.
In the race for box office supremacy, “Saw X” secured the second spot in North America, amassing $18 million across 3,262 locations. While this performance is commendable, it fell short of dethroning the paw-powered patrol. Notably, “Saw X” garnered significant critical acclaim, earning the best reviews in the entire franchise. Audiences awarded the film a respectable B CinemaScore, a notable achievement in the horror genre.
Internationally, “Saw X” opened to $11.3 million across 50 markets, resulting in a global earnings total of $29.3 million. The “Saw” franchise, known for its gruesome choices presented by the iconic character Jigsaw, has grossed over $1 billion to date. This latest installment marks the return of Jigsaw in the flesh, as he sets his sights on those involved in medical scams. The film continues the legacy of a franchise that began in 2004 and stars Tobin Bell as Jigsaw.
In the third position domestically, “The Creator” secured a modest $14 million from 3,680 theaters. This original sci-fi epic, directed by “Rogue One’s” Gareth Edwards, saw impressive success internationally, with an opening of $18.3 million across 48 markets, resulting in a global debut of $32.3 million.
“The Creator,” produced by New Regency and Entertainment One, and distributed by 20th Century Studios, stands out as one of the few studio science fiction films based on an entirely original concept. John David Washington leads the cast as a man thrust into the midst of a conflict between humanity and artificial intelligence. Audiences awarded the film a B+ CinemaScore.
Gareth Edwards, known for directing the billion-dollar blockbuster “Rogue One,” returned to the director’s chair for “The Creator.” The film’s ensemble cast includes Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, Ken Watanabe, and introduces newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles as Alphie, an artificial child under Washington’s care.
In fifth place, “The Blind,” a faith-based biopic from Fathom Events, tells the inspiring real-life story of patriarch Phil Robertson, of “Duck Dynasty” fame, and his journey to conquer personal demons in 1960s Louisiana. The film garnered a solid $5 million from 1,715 locations.
Sony’s “Dumb Money,” a movie inspired by the GameStop saga, disappointed in seventh place with a meager $3.5 million from 2,837 locations during its nationwide expansion. The film’s release plan was altered due to ongoing strikes, which affected publicity efforts. The cast includes Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, America Ferrara, and Seth Rogen.
Inclement weather in New York also likely impacted the film’s performance, as theaters in parts of Manhattan were temporarily closed due to torrential rain. Sony remains hopeful that “Dumb Money” will find an audience over time, given the absence of original sci-fi films in theaters in recent years.
This weekend’s box office results set the stage for an intriguing showdown in the weeks to come.
