Toho’s “Godzilla Minus Zero” is not only set to dominate the U.S. domestic box-office, it’s doing so in a rather remarkable way.
The title has garnered a stellar ‘A’ CinemaScore, the same as its 2023 predecessor “Godzilla Minus One,” and looks set to pull in $32 million in is opening weekend – the best opening for a live-action foreign language film.
But where it’s really raising eyebrows is where it’s garnering that money – namely giant screens. The title is generating approximately 74% of its domestic gross from IMAX and PLF screens.
That is a record, and a far bigger percentile than even the first weekend gross of “The Odyssey” which snagged 52% of its $123.5 million opening weekend from. IMAX and PLF auditoriums.
Even more impressive? “Godzilla Minus Zero” was able to achieve this with a North American marketing spend of under $10 million, something it was reportedly able to achieve by having zero TV spots. All of its marketing has taken place in cinemas, print or online and via word of mouth.
In addition, it achieved this with a 29% less than average social media pull – meaning influencers and celebs with big followings had little impact here.
It’ll come ahead of Warner Bros Pictures Animation’s “The Cat in the Hat” in second place with $20 million and Angel Studios’ “Drummer Boy” in third with $8.8 million – both films also landing ‘A’ CinemaScores suggesting they’re hits with their audience even if the critics are far more enamored with Godzilla.
Source: Deadline
