New film ‘Death on the Nile,’ based on an Agatha Christie novel, topped the domestic box office over Super Bowl weekend with a subdued $12.8 million U.S.
Super Bowl weekend is always a challenge for Hollywood studios. This year, the ongoing pandemic compounded matters to keep moviegoers away from theatres.
Universal (UVV) opted to abandon an exclusive theatrical release and launch its Valentine’s Day offering ‘Marry Me,’ starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson, simultaneously in cinemas and on streaming service Peacock.
Marry Me, which opened to an estimated $8 million U.S. at the box office, came in number three after being edged out by holdover Jackass Forever, which earned $8.1 million U.S.
Of those turning out to see Death on the Nile, 77% of ticket buyers were over age 25, including 47% over 35 and 28% over 45.
Branagh both directed and stars in the Agatha Christie adaptation, which is a follow up to his successful ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ film. Branagh is also in the news for his film, Belfast, which is up for a number of top Oscars, including best picture and best director.
Overseas, Death on the Nile debuted to $20.7 million U.S. for a global start of $34 million U.S.
Spider-Man: No Way Home stayed high up on the chart to place number four with $7.2 million U.S. for a domestic tally of $759 million U.S. and global haul of $1.8 billion U.S. The new Liam Neeson action film ‘Blacklight’ opened in fifth place with just $3.6 million U.S.
