A24’s latest film, Civil War, directed by Alex Garland, has kicked off its opening weekend with an impressive $2.9 million from Thursday previews at 2,931 locations. This solid start indicates that the movie is on track to achieve an opening weekend of over $20 million. Despite being A24’s most expensive production to date, with a budget just shy of $60 million before advertising costs, both competitors and the studio itself are pleased with the initial box office performance.
The studio has already sold the majority of foreign rights for Civil War, with the exception of handling distribution in the UK and Australia this weekend, followed by major territories in the coming weeks. The film is being shown in 3,800 theaters, with the added boost of screenings in Imax format, marking A24’s widest release to date. Additionally, Civil War holds the title of the widest R-rated release for an independent studio.
Optimism for Heartland Appeal
One of the key questions surrounding the success of Civil War is whether it will resonate with audiences beyond the typical coastal markets. Initial testing in cities like Kansas City and Dallas has yielded positive results, leading to confidence that the film will also perform well in more traditionally conservative states. Critics have responded positively to the movie, with an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences have shown even greater approval with an 86% rating.
Even before the official opening weekend began, sources within A24 reported that the film had already accumulated $2 million in advance ticket sales. This figure excludes any revenue from preview screenings on Thursday night. The strong early ticket sales signal a high level of anticipation for Civil War among moviegoers.
A24’s Civil War has made a strong entrance into the box office landscape, garnering positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike. With a robust marketing strategy and widespread distribution, the film looks poised to make a significant impact on the industry. As the weekend progresses, all eyes will be on how Civil War performs across different regions and demographics, but the early signs point towards a successful run for Alex Garland’s latest political thriller.