A Weak Box Office Weekend: "Captain America: Brave New World" Holds On to the Top Spot
The box office this past weekend was marked by a noticeable slowdown, with most of Hollywood’s attention fixated on the Oscars. Despite the dip in momentum, Captain America: Brave New World managed to cling to the top spot, earning an estimated $15 million. This latest installment in the Disney-Marvel franchise, led by Anthony Mackie, opened strongly last month with a $120 million debut over its first three days. However, its fortunes took a sharp turn last week, plummeting to $28.2 million in its second week—a stark reminder of the challenges Marvel faces in resetting its universe. The film has now grossed $163.7 million since its release, but it hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations of critics and audiences. Many had hoped Captain America: Brave New World would breathe new life into the Marvel franchise, but its underwhelming reception has left that responsibility to upcoming films like Thunderbolts in May and Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. For now, with little competition on the horizon, Captain America may well remain at the top of the box office through March.
"Last Breath" Emerges as the Weekend’s Only Major New Release
The only significant new release of the weekend was Last Breath, a tense, based-on-a-true-story adventure from Focus Features. Starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Chris Lemons, the film follows a deep-sea diving mission that goes horribly wrong, leaving a young diver stranded 300 feet below the surface. Despite its gripping premise, Last Breath opened to a modest $7.8 million. However, it received strong reviews, with critics praising its suspenseful storytelling and white-knuckle tension. Lindsey Bahr of The Associated Press highlighted the film’s ability to deliver “pure suspense and anxiety,” making it a standout choice for fans of intense, real-life dramas. While its box office numbers were unremarkable, Last Breath has the potential to carve out a niche for itself as a compelling, smaller-scale thriller.
"The Monkey" Continues to Swing Through the Charts
At number three on the box office chart was The Monkey, directed by Oz Perkins, which brought in $6.4 million over the weekend. This brings its two-week total to $24.6 million, marking one of the strongest openings for indie distributor Neon. The film’s success is a testament to the power of low-budget collaborations between Perkins and Neon, following the massive global success of their previous partnership, Longlegs, which grossed $126.9 million last year. The Monkey also puts Neon in the spotlight ahead of the Oscars, where another one of its films, Anora, directed by Sean Baker, could make a significant impact. With its steady performance, The Monkey continues to prove that indie films can hold their own in a market dominated by big-budget blockbusters.
"Paddington in Peru" and "Dog Man" Keep Steady in the Top Five
Rounding out the top five were two familiar faces: Paddington in Peru and Dog Man. The fourth installment of the Paddington franchise earned $4.5 million in its third weekend, bringing its total to $31.4 million domestically. While it hasn’t quite matched the heights of its predecessors, the film’s enduring charm and family-friendly appeal continue to draw audiences. Similarly, Dog Man, based on the popular children’s book series, brought in $4.2 million over the weekend. Its consistent presence in the top five reflects the timeless appeal of its source material and its ability to resonate with both kids and adults. These films may not be breaking box office records, but they continue to serve as reliable performers in a slow period for new releases.
The Rest of the Box Office: Familiar Faces and Slow Declines
The remainder of the top 10 was filled with familiar films experiencing varying degrees of success. Mufasa: The Lion King continued its gradual decline, earning $1.9 million for a total that has yet to match the heights of its predecessor. Similarly, Ne Zha 2 brought in $1.8 million, while Heart Eyes and The Unbreakable Boy followed closely behind with $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Rounding out the list was One of Them Days, which managed $925,000 in its latest weekend. These films reflect the slow burn of the current box office landscape, where films linger in theaters without necessarily making waves.
Looking Ahead: A Quiet March and the Promise of Upcoming Blockbusters
As March unfolds, the box office is likely to remain quiet, with few major releases on the horizon. Captain America: Brave New World may well continue its reign at the top, albeit with diminishing returns, as audiences wait for the next wave of big-budget films. The real test for Marvel will come in May with Thunderbolts and July with Fantastic Four: First Steps, both of which promise to inject new energy into the franchise. For now, the box office remains a mixed bag of underperforming sequels, indie darlings, and family favorites. While the numbers may not be thrilling, they reveal a Hollywood in transition, searching for the next big hit to shake things up.
