Apr 6, 2023

Despite Critics' Criticism, "Mario" Aims for $140 Million in Domestic Box Office in Five Days

In what appears to be one of the biggest gaps ever between critical acclaim and the box office performance of an animated film, "The Super Mario Brothers Movie" could be a $140 million smash in its opening five days.

According to figures released today by Variety, Illumination's latest film earned an estimated $31.7 million as of Wednesday, well above early estimates. Expanding this to next weekend, the film will gross $92 million for the Friday-Sunday weekend and $141 million for the first five days of its release.

If this projection holds, the Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenick-directed film will have the second-best five-day debut (Wednesday through Sunday) in Illumination history and the best non-sequel. Mario also now threatens the company's five-day record holder, 2013's Despicable Me 2 ($143 million).

In terms of video game adaptations, the Mario film is certain to break the record set last year by Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The film's first three-day box office gross of $72.1 million is not far behind Mario's $92 million.

Mario's box office performance seems incongruous in light of the film's largely negative critical reception. Currently, the Rotten Tomatoes critics score is 54%, with most critics disappointed with the characterization and plot.

Distributor Universal Pictures will not mind as long as the audience continues to grow.

Globally, "Super Mario Brothers Movie" grossed an estimated $66.4 million on its first day, including domestic box office; according to Deadline, the film had its best first day ever for an animated feature in 11 markets, including Germany, Spain, Argentina, Central America, and Austria. best first day ever for an animated feature film.