"Alien: Romulus," the latest addition to the storied 45-year franchise, stormed into theaters, claiming the top spot at the North American box office. Debuting with an impressive estimated $41.5 million in its opening weekend, the 20th Century Studios masterpiece graced the screens of 3,885 locations across the United States and Canada. Internationally, its reach extended to 49 markets, raking in an additional $66.7 million, culminating in a global opening weekend tally of a staggering $108.2 million.
The Walt Disney Co., parent company of 20th Century Studios, doubled down on its success, dominating the charts with not one but two films in the top two positions. Marvel's "Deadpool & Wolverine," now in its fourth week of theatrical run, held strong in second place, grossing $29 million. Disney's dominance over the summer box office is undeniable, accounting for an estimated 42% of the industry's total earnings, fueled by hits such as "Inside Out 2" and "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," further cementing its place as a Hollywood giant.
August, a month often deemed as a sluggish season for the cinematic realm, or, more bluntly, a repository for lesser-anticipated fare, has surprisingly defied expectations in 2024. Despite the industry's overall sluggish start, a spate of recent blockbusters such as "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "It Ends With Us" have ignited a fiery momentum, propelling this late August weekend over 30% above its counterpart from the previous year. Furthermore, it has surpassed even the robust August of 2019 by a margin of over 10%.
"The summer began with a pall of gloom, yet it's concluded with remarkable vigor," remarked Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore's esteemed media analyst. "We had anticipated a leisurely sail through August, but instead, we're revving our engines towards a summer box office tally that far surpasses our wildest dreams."
Enter "Alien: Romulus," helmed by the horror maestro Fede Álvarez, who has left his indelible mark with "Evil Dead" and "Don't Breathe." This sci-fi adventure, set amidst the iconic backdrop of "Alien" and "Aliens," boasts a promising ensemble of rising stars in their 20s, including Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, and Isabela Merced. Álvarez, true to his horror roots, weaves a tale that embraces the franchise's terrifying legacy, creating a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and chilling.
Critical reception has been a nuanced blend, leaning predominantly towards the positive side, with an impressive 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, too, have responded favorably, awarding the film a B+ CinemaScore, testament to its ability to captivate and entertain despite its genre's inherent intensity.
