The Wild Robot Surges to Unexpected $35 Million Box Office Opening Following Enthusiastic Praise
By Hannah Shaw-Williams Updated: Sept. 28, 2024 2:28 pm EST
The Wild Robot, an emotionally engaging new animated feature directed by Christopher Sanders, co-director of How to Train Your Dragon, made a stunning debut at the box office, raking in $35 million over the opening weekend. The film has garnered a perfect 10 out of 10 review from /Film after its premiere at Fantastic Fest earlier this month. The plot centers around ROZZUM unit 7134, affectionately known as “Roz,” a robot who awakens on a deserted island filled with animals. With no humans in sight, Roz must navigate the challenges of motherhood when an orphaned gosling bonds with her, a task she is ill-prepared for in her programming.
Critics have responded positively, with The Wild Robot boasting a remarkable 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of now. This wave of acclaim might explain its impressive box office performance, which has surpassed earlier forecasts. Universal had initially expected over $20 million, while third-party estimates were within a $24-30 million range. The film’s opening Friday grossed $11.3 million, including $2 million from Thursday previews. Due to a significant number of walk-up ticket sales, projections suggest that the final earnings may climb even higher by the end of the weekend.
Based on Peter Brown’s children’s book of the same name, The Wild Robot is unique as it offers a fresh narrative rather than relying on an established movie franchise. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy; for instance, DreamWorks’ spin-off Puss in Boots: The Last Wish only managed a $12.4 million opening weekend a few years back. If The Wild Robot maintains its momentum, it could become another unexpected success for the studio.
The Wild Robot is already being hailed as a contender in the upcoming awards season. With its release coinciding with the onset of Oscar buzz, it seems almost certain that the film will earn at least a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards. The excitement began early this year after footage was showcased at CinemaCon, leading one studio executive to describe an emotional reaction to the film, claiming he cried throughout the final hour.
Although initially seen as mere marketing hype, audience members and critics alike are echoing the sentiment that a box of tissues will be essential while watching The Wild Robot. The film promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, touching on profound themes such as robots developing human-like feelings, endangered adorable animals, and unusual adoptive familial connections, with Pedro Pascal included in the voice cast.
Christopher Sanders, the film’s director, boasts a history of recognition, having received three Oscar nominations for his previous works: Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods. Fans are left wondering if this time could finally bring him home an Academy Award.
