Director Alex Garland’s latest film, Civil War, stormed into theaters with a commanding debut, raking in $25.7 million in its opening weekend. Distributed by A24, this dystopian thriller marks the studio’s first-ever chart-topping release in North America, setting a record-breaking opening weekend for the indie powerhouse.
Additionally, Civil War claims the title of the highest-grossing R-rated start of the year.
Initially projected to earn between $15 million to $20 million, the film’s actual performance surpassed expectations. Starring Kirsten Dunst as a journalist navigating a violently fractured United States, Civil War piqued audience curiosity with its exploration of a blue-state/red-state divide, particularly resonating in an election year. Premium large formats like Imax and Dolby Cinemas further fueled its success, with notable overperformance in markets such as Los Angeles and El Paso, Texas.
Despite receiving a “B-” CinemaScore, typically signaling tepid word-of-mouth, A24’s track record for provocative and divisive films, such as Beau Is Afraid and The Lobster, has cultivated a loyal following. With a production budget of $50 million, Civil War represents A24’s most ambitious project to date. The studio has already secured international distribution rights, bolstering prospects for recouping investments prior to its North American release.
In a weekend dominated by holdover titles, including Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Civil War emerged as a standout performer. With its thought-provoking premise and stellar box office performance, the film cements A24’s reputation for delivering bold and boundary-pushing cinema.
REELated:
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to the Associated Press. Final domestic figures will be released on Monday.
1. “Civil War,” $25.7 million.
2. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” $15.5 million.
3. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” $5.8 million.
4. “Kung Fu Panda 4,” $5.5 million.
5. “Dune: Part Two,” $4.3 million.
6. “Monkey Man,” $4.1 million.
7. “The First Omen,” $3.8 million.
8. “The Long Game,” $1.4 million.
9. “Shrek 2,” $1.4 million.
10. “SUGA – Agust D Tour ‘D-DAY’ The Movie,” $990,881.
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