Box Office Shake-Up: 'Alien: Romulus' Tops Charts, 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Falls to No. 2, and 'Coraline' Marks 15th Anniversary

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In a surprising turn of events, the box office landscape has seen a dramatic shift as "Deadpool & Wolverine," the film that broke records and captured hearts, has finally hit a speed bump. After a remarkable run, surpassing the $1 billion mark globally and securing its place as the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever, this blockbuster has now slipped to the No. 2 spot. The reason? The formidable arrival of "Alien: Romulus."

"Alien: Romulus," the seventh entry in the iconic Alien franchise, stormed to the top of the charts with a robust $41.5 million debut over the weekend in domestic earnings. Internationally, it racked up an impressive $66.7 million, pushing its worldwide total to a staggering $108.2 million. This sci-fi/horror thriller, set between the classic 1979 "Alien" and its 1986 follow-up "Aliens," transports audiences to the grim depths of a decaying space station. There, a group of young colonizers encounters the dread-inducing Xenomorphs, leading to a nerve-wracking survival battle.

Director Fede Álvarez, known for his intense and gripping storytelling, received high praise from Ridley Scott, the visionary behind the original 1979 film. Scott's enthusiastic endorsement—calling the new film "f---ing great"—is a testament to Álvarez's skill and respect within the industry. Álvarez shared his excitement with Guillermo del Toro at the DGA Latino Summit, revealing how Scott's praise, particularly about the film’s sharp dialogue, was a pinnacle moment in his career.

Meanwhile, "Deadpool & Wolverine" isn’t exactly falling off the map; it earned a commendable $29 million in its fourth week, bringing its domestic total to a staggering $545.8 million and a global tally of $1.1 billion. Despite this slight dip, it’s clear that Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s latest team-up continues to draw massive audiences and generate buzz.

In other box office news, Blake Lively's "It Ends With Us" has proven resilient despite some marketing controversies. It earned $24 million in its second week, only dropping 52% from its debut, and now stands at a solid $97.8 million domestically and $180 million worldwide. This drama, adapted from the international best-seller, is maintaining its momentum and continuing to engage viewers.

"Twisters," the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 disaster hit, is still making waves in theaters. In its fifth week, it garnered $9.8 million, pushing its domestic gross to $238.4 million and its global total to $333.4 million. Audiences are clearly still captivated by the thrilling tornado action and spectacular visual effects.

Adding a touch of nostalgia to the mix, "Coraline" is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a re-release that’s resonated with fans old and new. This stop-motion animated classic, known for its innovative use of 3D and Dakota Fanning’s memorable voice work, reappeared in theaters and earned $8.6 million over the weekend. Originally released in 2009, "Coraline" made a remarkable $16.8 million on its opening weekend and ultimately grossed $126.9 million worldwide. For its anniversary re-release, it’s clear that this darkly whimsical tale still holds a special place in the hearts of many.

In summary, the box office has been buzzing with significant movements: "Alien: Romulus" making a strong debut, "Deadpool & Wolverine" showing remarkable staying power, and "Coraline" reminding us of its timeless charm. As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, these films represent just a slice of the diverse and dynamic offerings that captivate audiences around the globe.