Paramount's "Bob Marley: One Love" maintained its position as the box office leader over the six-day holiday period, generating $7.4 million on Friday from 3,539 locations and bringing its domestic earnings to $25.3 million. The biopic about the reggae legend is poised to potentially double the six-day earnings of Sony's new superhero film "Madame Web," which grossed $4.3 million from 4,013 theaters on Friday, with a current North American total of $12.5 million.
Both films premiered on Valentine's Day and aim to sustain their momentum through Presidents' Day. "One Love" opened strongly with $14 million on Wednesday, aided by showings in premium large-format theaters. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film resonated with early audiences, earning an "A" grade from Cinema Score. Paramount's decision to shift the film's release from a more awards-friendly January slot to the February holiday period has been vindicated by its enthusiastic reception.
With a production budget of $70 million and additional distribution and marketing costs, "One Love" is on track for a projected six-day domestic debut exceeding $40 million, along with solid international performance. The film's global appeal, driven by Marley's iconic status, positions it well for continued success. However, sustained audience engagement will be crucial in the coming weeks to maintain its momentum.
In "One Love," Kingsley Ben-Adir stars as Bob Marley, alongside Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley. The film chronicles the musician's European and African tour, as well as the making of his seminal album "Exodus." Meanwhile, "Madame Web" has faced even harsher reviews and lackluster audience scores, receiving a "C+" from Cinema Score. Initial projections suggested a six-day total above $30 million, but it now appears likely to finish closer to $20 million, presenting a disappointing start for a potential franchise kickoff.
Despite Sony's typically lower superhero film budgets compared to competitors, "Madame Web" carried an $80 million production budget, plus additional marketing expenses. The film's negative reception has been substantial, with online memes referencing Sony's less successful superhero ventures. Overcoming this negative buzz will be a significant challenge for "Madame Web."
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