“The Hunger Games” prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” defied expectations to emerge victorious at the box office, raking in $44 million domestically and $98 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Although the film fell short of the original franchise’s ticket sales, it still managed to beat out fellow newcomers like “Trolls Band Together,” “Thanksgiving,” and “Next Goal Wins.”
On the other hand, Disney’s “The Marvels” suffered a dramatic 79% decline in ticket sales, marking the biggest second-weekend drop in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a $220 million-plus budget, “The Marvels” is struggling to meet expectations and is facing audience fatigue towards the expansive franchise.
Despite its lower opening numbers compared to its predecessors, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is poised to have a successful theatrical run. The film’s $100 million production cost positions it well in its genre, with positive feedback from movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. The “Hunger Games” prequel stars Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth, based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, and has received a mixed response from critics and audiences alike.
In addition to the prequel, “Trolls Band Together” and “Thanksgiving” also made decent debuts at the box office, offering diverse entertainment options for audiences. The success of these films signals the start of a more crowded lineup at the box office, with releases like Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” and Disney’s “Wish” set to open soon.
Despite the ups and downs at the box office, one thing is clear: the film industry continues to evolve and adapt, with audiences seeking a wide range of entertainment options. As the holiday season approaches, it’s an exciting time for moviegoers and filmmakers alike.
