Reports are indicating that 20th Century Studios’ latest installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, has kicked off its theatrical run with a bang. Previews for the film have raked in an impressive $6.5M, a figure that includes Thursday night earnings starting from 3 PM, as well as an additional $1.6M from special fan screenings held on Wednesday at 7 PM.
This sequel, directed by Wes Ball and rated PG-13, is set 300 years after the events depicted in Matt Reeves’ War for the Planet of the Apes. Comparisons with the franchise’s previous entries show that Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Thursday previews have surpassed those of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, which managed $4.25M on its preview night, eventually leading to a $27.6M Friday and a remarkable $72.6M opening weekend. These numbers solidify the film’s position as a powerhouse in the Apes franchise.
Critical and Audience Reception
Critically, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is holding strong with an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes both from critics and audience members alike. This positive reception bodes well for the film’s long-term success and indicates that it may have the potential to resonate with a wide range of moviegoers.
Contrasting Performances
The film’s Thursday earnings present a bright spot in comparison to the lackluster performance of Universal’s Fall Guy last weekend, which only managed to generate $3.15M in combined previews on Wednesday and Thursday before falling short with a $27.7M opening weekend. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ ability to draw in audiences early on is a promising sign for its overall box office prospects.
As the film clocks in at 2 hours and 25 minutes, it remains to be seen whether Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes can maintain its momentum throughout the weekend and continue to attract moviegoers looking for an action-packed cinematic experience. With a strong start and positive reviews under its belt, the sequel seems poised to make a significant impact at the box office and captivate audiences around the world.