Box Office Report: 'Mickey 17' Opens to a Chilly Reception with $7.7 Million First Day
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)
Bong Joon Ho’s highly anticipated sci-fi film Mickey 17 has landed in theaters with a less-than-stellar debut, generating $7.7 million across Friday and preview screenings from 3,807 locations. While this figure aligns with industry projections that estimated an $18 million+ opening weekend, it is a slow start for Warner Bros.’ big-budget original production.
A Frosty Reception at the Box Office
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)
With a hefty $118 million production budget, Mickey 17 faces an uphill battle to reach profitability. Factoring in global marketing and distribution costs, the film likely needs to surpass $275 million worldwide to break even. While it will top the domestic box office this weekend, its underwhelming debut won’t be enough to shake theaters out of their post-blockbuster slump, where Captain America: Brave New World has remained the No. 1 film for weeks despite sharp drop-offs in attendance.
Playing in premium formats like IMAX, Mickey 17 was expected to bring in stronger numbers, but its current trajectory suggests a tepid response from general audiences. CinemaScore polls indicate a "B" grade, signaling a mixed reaction that may hinder its staying power in theaters. Though the film has received positive reviews, it lacks the euphoric critical reception that catapulted Bong’s Parasite (2019) to box office glory and Oscar history.
Warner Bros. Bets on Directors
(Image credit: Film at Lincoln center)
Mickey 17 is the first in Warner Bros.’ ambitious 2025 slate of original films from high-profile directors, which also includes projects by Ryan Coogler and Paul Thomas Anderson. The studio, navigating a shifting theatrical landscape, has placed significant emphasis on auteur-driven storytelling to counter the dominance of franchise fare. However, Mickey 17's underperformance raises questions about the financial viability of these big-budget originals.
Despite the challenges, Mickey 17 boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Steven Yeun. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film follows a space explorer who discovers his own expendable clone, a premise ripe for Bong’s signature genre-blending style.
Weekend Box Office Rankings
[L-R] ImAGE CREDIT: Warner Bros, Disney, focus FeAtures, Neon, Sony
Mickey 17 (Warner Bros) – $7.7 million opening day, projected $18+ million weekend
Captain America: Brave New World (Disney) – $2.1 million Friday, $170.1 million domestic total
Last Breath (Focus Features) – $1.16 million Friday, projected $4.1 million weekend
The Monkey (Neon) – $1.1 million Friday, estimated $3.9 million weekend
Paddington in Peru (Sony) – $900,000 Friday, tracking toward $3.8 million weekend
Among other notable releases, Angel Studios’ Rule Breakers, a PG-rated drama about a groundbreaking Afghan robotics team, is set to open in ninth place with a $600,000 Friday. Meanwhile, In the Lost Lands, a $55 million post-apocalyptic western starring Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich, has had an abysmal start, earning just $380,000 on Friday.
Oscar Buzz Boosts Anora
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Following its five Oscar wins, Neon’s Anora has expanded to 1,938 theaters, experiencing a staggering 500% box office surge. The Sean Baker drama is projected to earn another $1.7 million this weekend, pushing its domestic total beyond $17 million. This marks an impressive feat for a film that, prior to its Oscar success, was struggling to gain mainstream traction. Now, Anora is on track to surpass The Hurt Locker ($17 million), ensuring it avoids the title of the lowest-grossing modern Best Picture winner—excluding the pandemic-era releases Nomadland and Apple’s CODA.
The film’s resurgence at the box office is a testament to the power of awards season in bringing renewed interest to independent cinema. Baker, known for his deeply human storytelling in Red Rocket and The Florida Project, has now solidified himself as one of the most vital voices in contemporary filmmaking. His passionate speeches throughout awards season have not only championed Anora but also emphasized the importance of preserving the theatrical experience. Advocating for audiences to see films in theaters, Baker has repeatedly stressed that independent films thrive when given the chance to connect with viewers on the big screen.
During his Oscar acceptance speech, Baker took the opportunity to address the challenges facing the industry, highlighting the struggles of low-budget films against the dominance of franchise-driven blockbusters. He underscored the necessity of preserving theatrical exhibition as the primary way to experience cinema, urging both audiences and industry leaders to support smaller films. In a bold move, Baker has also stated that his next project will be even smaller and more cost-effective than Anora, further cementing his commitment to independent filmmaking. Unlike many award-winning directors who transition to major studios like Disney or Netflix, Baker remains dedicated to working outside the studio system, prioritizing creative freedom and authentic storytelling.
As word-of-mouth continues to spread, Anora is poised for a prolonged theatrical run, proving that small-budget films can still find significant success in the modern box office landscape. Its remarkable journey from an underdog to an Oscar-winning sensation highlights the enduring appeal of well-crafted storytelling and the essential role of moviegoers in keeping the cinematic experience alive.
Looking Ahead
(IMAGE CREDIT) Marvel Studios
While Mickey 17's opening may not be the box office juggernaut Warner Bros. hoped for, the next few weeks will test its longevity. As Hollywood gears up for the next wave of releases, theaters are banking on a diverse lineup of highly anticipated films to revitalize ticket sales. Among the most notable upcoming releases are Black Bag, an espionage thriller featuring an all-star cast including Pierce Brosnan and Cate Blanchett, and Novocaine, an action-packed comedy starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder.
Disney’s Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is also set to arrive soon, while Robert De Niro’s The Alto Knights promises a gripping crime drama experience. Horror fans can look forward to Locked, starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, while Opus, featuring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich, is poised to make an impact on the drama front.
Meanwhile, the superhero genre remains strong with Thunderbolts, the latest MCU ensemble film, on the horizon. Other intriguing upcoming releases include Warfare, an intense military thriller, and The Amateur, a high-stakes espionage drama led by Rami Malek. Additionally, Magazine Dreams, starring Jonathan Majors, is set for release after much anticipation.
For fans of crime and action, Sinners and The Accountant 2 are also among the key titles aiming to make waves at the box office. With this lineup, the industry is hoping to rebound from a sluggish early 2025 and drive audiences back to theaters in significant numbers.
Whether Mickey 17 can hold on in the face of these heavy-hitters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 cinematic landscape is about to get much more competitive.
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