Key Points:
- Civil War earned $2.9 million in Thursday night previews, breaking A24’s previous record held by Hereditary.
- The film is expected to make at least $20 million in its opening weekend, another record for the indie studio.
- Positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth will be crucial for the film’s continued success in the coming weeks.
Civil War Shatters A24’s Box Office Records with Stellar Previews
According to ScreenRant, Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller Civil War has kicked off its theatrical run with a bang, shattering A24’s box office records with an impressive $2.9 million haul from Thursday night previews. This impressive figure surpasses the previous record held by Ari Aster’s 2018 horror hit Hereditary, which earned $1.3 million in previews.
Backed by positive reviews and strong audience interest, “Civil War” is now expected to make at least $20 million during its opening weekend. If this projection holds true, the film will once again break A24’s opening weekend record, currently held by “Hereditary” with a $13.6 million debut.
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A Major Test for A24
Civil War represents a significant milestone for A24, as the studio’s most expensive production to date with a budget of around $50 million, not including marketing costs. With theaters typically taking around half of a movie’s box office earnings, the film’s success is crucial for the indie studio as it continues to expand its reach beyond low-budget offerings.
While the strong preview numbers and projected opening weekend are promising signs, the film’s long-term success will depend heavily on positive word-of-mouth and continued positive reviews. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Cailee Spaeny, the film has received praise from critics for its chilling portrayal of a nation at war with itself and its lead performances.
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Civil War boasts impressive scores of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 86% from audiences, boding well for its potential to attract moviegoers in the coming weeks.