The "Mean Girls" movie musical dominated the box office scene, raking in $11.7 million in its second weekend, reaching a total of $50 million domestically. Despite a 59% decline in ticket sales from its debut, the film's performance is notable given its modest $36 million budget, which amplifies its box office success.
Overall, the weekend proved lackluster for movie theaters, with a notable absence of major studio releases. Three Christmas releases lingered in the top five, underscoring the industry's struggle amid strikes and the pandemic, according to David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.
"I.S.S.," a sci-fi thriller set aboard the International Space Station, failed to launch at the box office, landing in seventh place with a mere $3 million debut. Despite featuring stars Ariana DeBose and Chris Messina, the film was plagued by negative reviews and received a dismal "C-" CinemaScore from audiences.
"The Beekeeper," an action thriller directed by David Ayer, maintained its position in second place with $8.3 million in earnings. Starring Jason Statham, the film has accumulated nearly $31 million domestically, showcasing its steady performance.
"Wonka," featuring Timothée Chalamet as the famed chocolatier, retained third place, grossing $6.7 million. With a total of $187 million in North America and $513 million globally after six weeks, the film has proven to be a lucrative venture for Warner Bros., despite its $100 million production cost.
Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell's romantic comedy "Anyone but You" secured the fourth spot with $5.4 million, surpassing $100 million in global earnings. With a modest $25 million budget, the film stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of rom-coms when managed economically.
Universal and Illumination's animated feature "Migration" claimed fifth place, earning $5.3 million domestically. With a budget of $72 million, the film has garnered $94.6 million in North America and $191.6 million worldwide, maintaining a solid performance.
In limited release, Ava DuVernay's "Origin" garnered $875,000 from 125 screens, averaging $7,000 per location. As Neon plans to expand the film in the wake of potential Oscar nominations, the studio remains optimistic about its connection with audiences and future success.
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