In a surprising early Valentine's Day gift, Emerald Fennell's highly anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights has already delivered a box office knockout, raking in a stellar $3 million in Thursday night previews. This strong start sets the stage for what's shaping up to be a mammoth opening weekend for the literary romance epic.
What this really means is that Warner Bros. and partner MRC have a potential runaway hit on their hands. By comparison, the much-hyped It Ends With Us only managed $7 million in previews before opening to $50 million - and that was during the more crowded summer season. The fact that Wuthering Heights has already matched two-thirds of that tally bodes extremely well for its prospects over the extended Valentine's/President's Day frame.
A Test for Margot Robbie's Post-Barbie Stardom
This is a crucial moment for leading lady Margot Robbie, who is looking to cement her status as a bankable A-lister in the post-Barbie era. Paired with rising heartthrob Jacob Elordi, Robbie is fronting what The Guardian describes as a "mammoth love story" - a risky literary adaptation that's anything but a conventional romance.
The film's strong start suggests audiences are eager to see Robbie in a more dramatic, high-stakes role, which could be a game-changer for her career trajectory. And with a reported $80 million budget, Warner Bros. is clearly betting big on Fennell's bold vision resonating with moviegoers.
Family Flick 'GOAT' Also Impresses With $1M
While Wuthering Heights is capturing the adult audience's attention, Sony's animated feature GOAT is also making waves, raking in a respectable $1 million in Thursday previews. As What's on Netflix reports, this family-friendly offering could be just what the doctor ordered for parents and kids looking for some Valentine's weekend entertainment.
The bigger picture here is that the box office is finally heating up after a sluggish start to the year. With two high-profile releases generating solid early numbers and the lucrative holiday frame ahead, the industry is poised for a much-needed shot in the arm. Moviegoers seem eager to return to theaters, and these early results suggest Hollywood is ready to deliver.