As the summer season hit full swing, “Despicable Me 4” stole the show at the box office, raking in an impressive $122.6 million in its first five days of release. The film, which follows the adventures of the lovable Gru and his Minions, brought in $75 million during the three-day weekend alone. Opening on the Fourth of July, the movie capitalized on the holiday spirit and captured the hearts of audiences both in the US and internationally.
Internationally, “Despicable Me 4” pulled in $106.9 million from 73 markets, bringing its total global earnings to $229.5 million. With a production budget of only $100 million, the film is poised to be a highly profitable venture for Universal and Illumination, the studios behind the franchise. In comparison, films from competitors like Pixar and Disney often come with budgets exceeding $200 million.
While “Despicable Me 4” dominated the box office, other films also made their mark. “Inside Out 2,” a sequel from Disney and Pixar, continued to perform well, earning $30 million and solidifying its position as the summer’s biggest hit. Additionally, Paramount’s “A Quiet Place: Day One” scared up $21 million over the weekend, bringing its total domestic earnings to $94.4 million.
Box office analysts are optimistic about the industry’s recovery, with recent hits like “Despicable Me,” “Inside Out,” and “A Quiet Place” helping to close the revenue gap. As audiences eagerly anticipate upcoming releases like “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Twisters,” the momentum in the movie business seems to be building.
In addition to the blockbuster releases, smaller films like A24’s “MaXXXine” and Angel Studios’ “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” also made their debut over the Independence Day holiday. While “MaXXXine” opened slightly below projections with $6.7 million, “Sound of Hope” earned $3.2 million, showcasing a different side of the movie industry.
As audiences flock to theaters to catch the latest releases, the success of “Despicable Me 4” highlights the enduring appeal of the beloved franchise. With plans for more sequels and spinoffs in the future, it’s clear that Gru and the Minions will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
