Karate Kid: Legends, a new installment in the long-running franchise, opened behind expectations at the domestic box office. Despite featuring original star Ralph Macchio and action legend Jackie Chan, the film took in an estimated $21 million from 3,809 theaters, falling short of its previously tracked debut of $25 million.
The PG-13 film has received mixed reviews from critics, with some hailing it as a strong contender despite middling reviews. The movie’s modest production budget of $45 million and marketing costs make it an attractive gamble for Sony, which remains confident in the film’s prospects.
However, franchise fans may have been sated by Cobra Kai, the Netflix series that concluded earlier this year, potentially affecting box office performance. Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning continue to dominate the box office, with Lilo & Stitch reaching $610 million globally and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning earning an estimated $122 million in North America.
Other releases, including Bring Her Back, which debuted at $7.1 million, rounded out the top five. Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme secured the top per-location average of the year to date with its world premiere at Cannes, grossing $6.2 million internationally. The film has an ensemble cast led by Benicio del Toro and will be released in more markets in the coming weeks.
Karate Kid: Legends faces stiff competition from established franchises like Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, but its modest budget and solid production make it a promising gamble for Sony.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/karate-kid-legends-box-office-bow-lilo-stitch-1236234498