“How to Train Your Dragon” launched impressively at the box office this weekend, indicating that remakes can still captivate audiences. The live-action adaptation produced by Universal amassed an estimated $83.7 million in its North American debut, as reported by Comscore estimates on Sunday.
Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film revisits the adventure of Hiccup, portrayed by Mason Thames, and his friend Toothless, as they navigate their unique bond amidst a Viking backdrop. This new installment outperformed the previous series entry, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” which had a $55 million opening in 2019. Additionally, the film has accrued over $114.1 million internationally, pushing its global total to approximately $197.8 million.
Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, lauded the film, stating, “This is yet another example of a live-action remake really delivering on the promise of the marketing.” He emphasized that the enduring appeal of such films during the summer season has proven remarkably successful.
In the rankings, “How to Train Your Dragon” clinched the top position ahead of Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” which experienced a downward trajectory after holding the number one slot for three consecutive weekends, adding $15 million to its total for a domestic gross of over $386.3 million thus far. “Materialists,” a contemporary romantic dramedy featuring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, entered the scene at number three with a $12 million opening.
Meanwhile, “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” maintained its position at fourth place with a box office take of $10.3 million. The “John Wick” spinoff “Ballerina” found itself in fifth place, despite receiving positive reviews, earning $9.4 million.
This remarkable debut for “How to Train Your Dragon” showcases the growing enthusiasm for family-oriented cinema and the significance of well-told stories in cinema today. As audiences continue to embrace theatrical experiences, the film industry appears set on a promising trajectory toward recovery and success, suggesting that the magic of storytelling, both old and new, resonates deeply across generations.
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