Disney and Pixar’s original animated film Hoppers dominated the North American box office this weekend, earning USD 46 million domestically and an additional USD 42 million internationally for a global opening of USD 88 million, the largest for an original animated feature since Coco.
Directed by Daniel Chong, the film follows a 19-year-old environmentalist who inhabits the body of a beaver, featuring voices from Piper Curda, Bobby Moynihan, Jon Hamm, and Kathy Najimy.
Critics and audiences responded positively, giving it a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, a PostTrak “definitely recommend” rating of 75%, and an A CinemaScore.
In contrast, Warner Bros.’ R-rated The Bride!, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, struggled, grossing just USD 7.3 million domestically and USD 6.3 million internationally on an estimated USD 80 million budget.
he film faced mixed-to-negative reviews, a C+ CinemaScore, and only 43% audience “definitely recommend” scores.
Delayed from September and re-edited after poor test screenings, it failed to gain traction, even internationally.
Other box office highlights included Scream 7 in second place with USD 17.3 million and Sony’s GOAT in fourth with USD 6.6 million.
Analysts expect new releases like Project Hail Mary to energize the market, as current newcomers have not matched the staying power of holdovers like “Hoppers.” (PTI)
