'Sonic the Hedgehog' Dashes to a Solid Opening Weekend
by EG
February isn't known for producing blockbuster movies. Sonic the Hedgehog didn't exactly open like a blockbuster this weekend, but it did set a new record for movies based on video games. Sonic easily won the weekend over last weekend's winner, Birds of Prey, suggesting that gamers would rather watch a movie about a fictional blue creature than one with a female lead. Read on for details.
Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog made a loud boom at the Presidents Day box office with a three-day domestic opening of $57 million, a record for a video game adaptation. The film's projected four-day gross of $68 million is among the best showings ever for the long holiday weekend, which coincided this year with Valentine's Day.
Previously, 2019's Pokemon Detective Pikachu boasted the top North American debut for a video game adaptation with a three-day start of $54.3 million, not adjusted for inflation.
Overseas, Sonic the Hedgehog launched to a strong $43 million from its first 40 markets for a global bow of $100 million through Sunday, and $111 million through Monday. Top markets included Mexico ($6.7 million) and the U.K. ($6.2 million).
The $87 million film — which received an A CinemaScore — is based on the popular Sega video game and sees the titular character (voiced by Ben Schwartz) team up with a small-town sheriff (James Marsden) to battle the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey).
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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