The “Hunger Games” prequel remained the highest grossing film in North America over the long US Thanksgiving weekend, holding off competition from the new Ridley Scott film “Napoleon,” according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations on Sunday.
Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” earned an estimated $42 million from Wednesday through Sunday, with $28.8 million for the regular Friday-through-Sunday period, boosted by Thanksgiving holiday moviegoers.
This fifth installment in the “Hunger Games” series features Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler and Peter Dinklage in a story about the 10th Hunger Games in the dystopian state of Panem.
In second place was Sony’s latest adaptation of the “Napoleon” epic, with ticket sales of $32.5 million for the five-day weekend and $20.4 million for three days.
Analyst David A. Gross commented, “This is a strong opening for a period epic action adventure,” noting the “pedigree” of director Ridley Scott and strong leads in Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.
Disney’s “Wish” also had a disappointing opening, earning $31.7 million for five days and $19.5 million for three – roughly half of what similar films have earned in the past.
Universal’s animated musical comedy “Trolls Band Together” and Sony’s slasher film “Thanksgiving” rounded out the top five at the box office.