“The Devil Wears Prada 2” remains a box office force with $433 million globally after two weekends of release.
Disney’s star-studded sequel, which brings back Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci to the halls of Runway magazine, added a massive $75 million overseas in its second frame, as well as $43 million domestically over the weekend. The comedy has been a hit in North America with $144 million so far. But it’s especially popular at the international box office, where it’s generated $288 million from 51 territories. Top-earning markets are the United Kingdom ($28 million), Italy ($28 million), Brazil ($22 million) and Mexico ($20 million). Already, the follow-up film has outgrossed the entire haul of 2006’s contemporary classic “The Devil Wears Prada” ($326 million, not adjusted for inflation).
“Michael” has been another box office powerhouse with $58.5 million overseas in its third outing, down just 32% from the prior weekend. The Michael Jackson biopic, distributed by Universal internationally and Lionsgate domestically, has earned $336 million at the foreign box office and a mighty $577 million worldwide. At this pace, “Michael” could contend with 2018’s sensation “Bohemian Rhapsody” ($910 million) as the highest-grossing biopic of all time. Either way, the $155 million-budgeted “Michael” is already a box office smash.
In terms of new releases, the Warner Bros. sequel “Mortal Kombat II” debuted to a softer-than-expected $23 million from 78 overseas territories. The R-rated film, based on the popular video game, launched to $40 million domestically to deliver a $63 million global tally. It cost $80 million to produce. Comparisons to the first film are tough because 2021’s “Mortal Kombat” landed day-and-date on HBO Max. The original movie managed to earn $42 million overseas and $84 million worldwide at a time when people weren’t as keen to visit their local cinema. Warner Bros. clearly has high hopes for a theatrical series because a third film is already in development.
Also new to theaters is Amazon MGM’s charming mystery “Sheep Detective,” which brought in $12.1 million from 75 territories, marking 70% of its international footprint. The well-reviewed PG-comedy, starring Hugh Jackman, has generated $15.9 million domestically and $28 million globally. It’ll need to stick around in theaters to justify the $75 million price tag, though excellent reviews and positive word-of-mouth should help the movie’s box office legs.
“Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)”, this weekend’s final newcomer, debuted slightly above expectations with $12.6 million overseas. Paramount’s concert film brought in $7.5 million domestically, bringing its worldwide total to $20 million. James Cameron and Eilish co-directed the film, which follows the 24-year-old Grammy and Oscar-winning artist on her area tour of the same name. It was produced for $20 million through a partnership with Paramount and Interscope Records.
