Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘One Battle After Another’ Opens to Muted $21 Million Box Office

Warner Bros.’ new film “One Battle After Another” had a quiet opening weekend. The drama, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is projected to earn $21 million domestically. This figure falls short of initial studio expectations.

The film earned $8.8 million on its opening day from 3,634 theaters. According to The Wrap, this sets the pace for a softer debut than analysts predicted.

Strong Reviews Contrast with Financial Performance

Despite the muted box office, the film is a critical darling. Audiences gave it an ‘A’ CinemaScore on opening night. Critics awarded it a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The audience score is also a strong 87 percent. This positive response suggests potential for long-term success. The film is already generating significant awards season buzz.

High Budget Poses Profitability Challenge

The film faces a steep path to profitability. Its production budget is reported to be over $130 million. It will need strong ticket sales in the coming weeks to break even.

The Wrap notes that Warner Bros. is banking on post-theatrical revenue. The studio hopes Oscar buzz will boost its performance on video-on-demand and HBO Max. This strategy mirrors that of DiCaprio’s previous film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

A Banner Year for Warner Bros. Pictures

The release comes as Warner Bros. celebrates a major milestone. Deadline reports the studio has become the first this year to cross $4 billion in global box office revenue. This is its first time hitting that mark since 2019.

The studio’s success is powered by blockbusters like “A Minecraft Movie” and “Superman.” New Line horror hits also contributed significantly. Warner Bros. has broken several industry records in 2024.

The debut of “One Battle After Another” may be softer than hoped, but its critical acclaim provides a solid foundation. The film’s performance in the coming weeks will be crucial for its financial success. Its journey through awards season will be closely watched.

Info at your fingertips-

What is the plot of ‘One Battle After Another’?

The film is a drama directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. It explores deep themes of conflict and human survival. Specific plot details have been kept under wraps by the studio.

How does this opening compare to DiCaprio’s last film?

It opened slightly lower than “Killers of the Flower Moon.” That film debuted to $23.2 million in 2023. Both films had similar large-scale production budgets.

Will the film still be a financial success?

Its path to profitability is challenging due to its high cost. Warner Bros. expects significant revenue from streaming and awards visibility. Strong word-of-mouth could help its box office legs.

Why is Warner Bros. not overly concerned?

The studio is having a record-breaking year overall. They are the first to cross $4 billion globally in 2024. They can support a prestige project with long-term potential.

Is the film expected to win any awards?

It is already a major contender in the awards season conversation. The stellar critic score of 97% makes it a frontrunner. Nominations for directing and acting are highly anticipated.