The critcally panned monster movie, a sequel to 2014’s Godzilla and in the same universe as 2017’s Kong: Skull Island, is ending the weekend at the top of the US charts. But the bad news is that, considering its hefty price tag, its launch number of $49 million is being considered a slight disappointment by industry analysts. It’s also a downturn on both of its MonsterVerse predecessors.
The film was released alongside Rocketman and Ma in the US, and also had to do battle with the still-successful John Wick 3, Aladdin and Avengers: Endgame.
While it did confidently beat the competition, it was initially projected to gross $55-65 million in its first frame.
It was also projected to land in the $180 million ballpark internationally, for a global total of $230-235 million.
Instead, it is expected to have come in at around $49 million domestically and $130 million elsewhere.
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For contrast, 2014’s Godzilla opened domestically to $93 million, while Kong: Skull Island bowed to $61 million.
Now focus will be on whether Godzilla can show staying power, and make progress on clawing back its $200 million budget. Will its strong audience score come in handy?
“The challenge and goal for us is to make sure the audience broadens out,” Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. head of domestic distribution, told Variety.
“The movie is dependent on broadening beyond just the fanbase.
“The good news is kids are out of school starting today and people are on vacation, so you have audiences available seven days a week.”
Elsewhere, Aladdin earned another $42.3 million in its second frame, and Rocketman launched to $25 million.
Ma came in fourth place with $18.2 million.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is out now.