Kung Fu Panda 4 opened at the top of the North American box office this weekend and Dune: Part Two became the year’s first film to pass the $150 million mark domestically as movie-world glitterati gathered in Hollywood for Sunday’s Oscars ceremony.
Panda, a martial arts comedy from DreamWorks and Universal, took in an estimated $58.3 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period, according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations, as Hollywood saw some improving results following a wan start to the year.
The film’s numbers were good enough – for part four of an animated series – to earn it a spot in an “elite” group including Toy Story, Despicable Me/Minions, Ice Age, and Shrek, said analyst David A. Gross.
Jack Black voices panda Po as he battles a shape-shifting enemy.
Denis Villeneuve’s epic Dune sequel from Warner Bros. meantime enjoyed a strong second weekend, earning a solid $46 million. That pushed the domestic total for the extravagant sci-fi flick with its lavish cast to $157 million. It has taken in an additional $210 million internationally.
Imaginary, a new horror film from Blumhouse Productions and Lionsgate, came in third at $10 million – not a huge figure, but one nearly equaling its modest production cost, a formula that keeps the horror films coming. DeWanda Wise plays Jessica, who rediscovers her childhood teddy bear Chauncey – only to learn he’s not nearly as cute and cuddly as she once thought – certainly no Paddington or Pooh.
Fourth spot, with $7.6 million, went to Angel Studios’ new faith-based drama Cabrini, about a Catholic nun in 19th-century New York who clashed with politicians and church officials while trying to care for poverty-stricken immigrants. Cristiana Dell’Anna plays Mother Frances Cabrini, who was canonized long after her death.
And in fifth place, slipping three spots from last weekend, was Paramount’s biopic Bob Marley: One Love, at $4.1 million. Kingsley Ben-Adir plays the iconic reggae singer in the surprise box office hit, which has now taken in $89.3 million in North America.
