Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the box office is buzzing with a romantic—yet controversial—start to the holiday weekend. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a classic like Wuthering Heights truly captivate modern audiences? Warner Bros/MRC’s theatrical release of Oscar winner Emerald Fennell’s adaptation kissed $3 million in Thursday previews across 3,000 locations, but don’t compare it to It Ends With Us just yet. That summer blockbuster raked in $7 million in previews, opening to a whopping $50 million. Wuthering Heights has a different game plan. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday—a rarity that last happened 11 years ago with Fifty Shades of Grey’s $93 million four-day debut—industry insiders predict a weekend surge. Add in the Presidents Day holiday on Monday, and the film could soar to $40-$50 million domestically. Presales are already at $14 million, and while its 65% Rotten Tomatoes score is fresh, it’s lower than It Ends With Us’s 87% audience rating. And this is the part most people miss: Warner Bros outbid Netflix, snagging the rights to the Jacob Elordi-Margot Robbie-led adaptation for $80 million—a bold move that’s sparking debate about its potential ROI.
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures Animation’s GOAT scored $1 million in Thursday previews across 3,030 locations, starting at 2 p.m. With 5-star PostTrak ratings from kids and 4.5 stars from parents and general audiences, it’s poised for a $20 million four-day run. But with a lack of family-friendly competition, could it exceed expectations? The $80-$90 million production is 80% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and its lively sports comedy vibe is winning early praise.
Amazon MGM Studios’ Crime 101, starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan, pulled in $1 million from overall previews. Aiming for a $15 million four-day start, the $90 million noir thriller is certified 86% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s the kicker: Amazon MGM only goes theatrical if it can recoup marketing costs—a rule that’s raising eyebrows in the industry. Comparisons to Den of Thieves: Pantera and The Beekeeper highlight its potential, but will it deliver?
Looking at the week’s top performers, Send Help led with $13 million in its second week, followed by newcomer Solo Mio at $10.5 million. Zootopia 2 continues its impressive run, crossing $415.6 million in its 11th week. Now, the question for you: With Wuthering Heights’s classic story and star-studded cast, is it a surefire hit, or will it struggle to connect with today’s audiences? Let’s debate in the comments!
