This weekend, “Lightyear” failed to generate enough buzz at the box office.
At the Box Office, Pixar’s “Lightyear” Flops
This weekend, the latest film from Disney’s Pixar, which stars Chris Evans as Buzz Lightyear, debuted to an estimated $51 million at the North American box office. The picture was predicted to earn approximately $70 million, which was far less than this estimate.
Disney reports that the film grossed $85.6 million globally (DIS). The picture also failed to capture the top spot at the box office, debuting at No. 2 behind the second weekend of “Jurassic World: Dominion” ($58.6 million) from Universal.
The debut is a disappointment for Pixar, one of Hollywood’s most successful and well-known studios. The animation firm, whose successes include “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” and “Finding Nemo,” has grossed $14.7 billion worldwide.
To put “Lightyear’s” performance in context relative to previous Pixar pictures, it debuted at the tail end of the studio’s openings. According to Comscore, the $51 million opening places it behind 2017’s “Cars 3.” (SCOR).
Why, Therefore, Was “Lightyear” Not a Bigger Hit?
The film is based on characters from the popular “Toy Story” series and received a 77 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is solid but not extraordinary. Nonetheless, a number of issues may have inhibited turnout.
To begin with, it may have been difficult for the audience to understand what the film was about. Since “Lightyear” was billed as a film about the man behind the toy rather than the toy itself, it is not quite a “Toy Story” film. In the end, families may have been puzzled by the video, which may have turned them away.
In addition, this is the first Pixar film released in theaters since 2020. All three of the studio’s most recent films, “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red,” were released straight on Disney+.
The decision to release those films to streaming may have persuaded consumers to remain home and wait for “Lightyear” to arrive on Disney+ instead of purchasing a ticket.
Overall, “Lightyear” may still find an audience in the coming weeks, as there is currently a dearth of family-friendly films at the box office. The release date of “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” the next major family film from Universal and Illumination Entertainment, is not until July 1.
In other box office categories, “Top Gun: Maverick” continues to perform strongly. The Tom Cruise film starring Paramount placed third with $44 million in its fourth weekend of release.
This represents a 15 percent decline from the previous week. Cruise reprises his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell from “Top Gun” in 1986. The film has grossed $885 million worldwide.
Dinosaurs Dominate the Box Office but Buzz Lightyear Fails to Take Off
In a surprise change of events, Jurassic World: Dominion reclaimed the top spot at the domestic box office for a second consecutive week, grossing $68 million during the four-day holiday weekend ($58.66 million over the three-day) to bring its domestic total to an astounding $259.1 million.
The dinos devoured Disney/Lightyear, Pixar’s forcing the animated adventure to settle for $55 million ($51 million 3-day) in its first week – significantly below the industry average, as reported by Deadline.
The picture garnered an A- CinemaScore and mainly positive reviews from critics, but even that seems improbable given the upcoming releases of Universal’s Minions (July 1), Thor: Love and Thunder (July 8), and Paws of Fury (July 15). (July 15).
In reality, audiences may be waiting for the Disney+ release of Lightyear rather than investing in the theatre experience.
The Toy Story spin-off grossed a dismal $34.6 million from 43 international territories, bringing its global total to $85.6 million. Jurassic World earned an additional $76.1 million overseas, bringing its total worldwide earnings to $622.2 million.
China provided substantial support of $24 million. Regarding blockbusters, Tom Cruise‘s Top Gun: Maverick continues to rise.
In its fourth week, the action-adventure grossed $48 million over the four-day holiday ($44 million over three days), bringing its domestic total to $470.1 million. The film has grossed $800 million worldwide, making it Cruise’s most successful picture worldwide.