A24's latest thriller, Civil War, directed by Alex Garland, has hit the ground running with an impressive $2.9M in Thursday previews at 2,931 locations. This marks the best ever preview performance for an A24 movie, surpassing the likes of Hereditary. The film is poised for an opening weekend that could exceed $20M, setting a new milestone for the studio.
A24 has already secured the majority of foreign rights for Civil War, with Entertainment Film Distributors handling the UK release and Roadhouse managing distribution in Australia and New Zealand. Additional major territories are set to open next weekend. The film is playing in 3,800 theaters, with support from Imax, making it A24's widest release to date. It also holds the title of the widest R-rated release for an independent studio.
Even before its official release, Civil War had already accumulated $2M in pre-sales, pointing to a strong debut weekend. The film has garnered positive reviews from critics, boasting an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and audiences have responded favorably, with an 86% score. Comparisons have been drawn to the works of directors like Oliver Stone and Kathryn Bigelow, indicating a promising trajectory for Civil War.
In comparison to other films in the same genre, Civil War's preview numbers far exceed those of similar titles like Detroit and Snowden. With a solid opening on the horizon, the film is expected to resonate with audiences across various regions, including red states where test screenings have yielded positive feedback. The star-studded cast, including Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman, and Cailee Spaeny, has been praised for their performances, adding to the overall appeal of the film.
In a crowded weekend at the box office, A24's Civil War faces competition from other films like IFC Films' Arcadian, a dystopian thriller starring Nicolas Cage, and Legendary/Warner Bros' Godzilla x Kong: New Empire. While these films offer different viewing experiences, Civil War's strong start indicates its potential to stand out among the crowd. As the weekend progresses, audience reception and box office numbers will determine the film's long-term success in the industry.