The musical extravaganza "Wonka" featuring Timothee Chalamet struck a triumphant high note at the box office, debuting with $39 million in box office sales in the United States and Canadian theaters over the weekend, according to the studio estimates on Sunday.
'Wonka' Adds $53.6 Million in Overseas Ticket Sales
The Associated Press reported that the 27-year-old actor is drawing younger ticket buyers as moviegoers under 25 accounted for 36% of the audience, which was split between 51% females and 49% males.
"Wonka," which cost around $125 million to produce and played at 4,203 theaters for its debut, reportedly added $53.6 million in overseas ticket sales.
"The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" has once again ranked second this week with $5.8 million in its fifth week of release, while last week's top movie, "The Boy and the Heron," dropped to third with $5.1 million in its second week of release.
Second No. 1 Movie of Timothee Chalamet
In an era where musicals often face challenges in theaters, Warner Bros. strategically downplayed the song and dance elements of "Wonka" in promotional trailers.
The trailer focused on Timothee Chalamet, who just achieved his second No. 1 movie with "Wonka" following the success of 2021's "Dune," which had an opening of $41 million.
"Wonka" was also the first major Hollywood release after the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike ended. Directed by Paul King of "Paddington" and "Paddington 2," "Wonka" serves as a prequel to the beloved 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
Chalamet takes on the role of a young Willy Wonka, navigating the challenges of opening his candy store. He is supported by an ensemble cast that includes Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, and Keegan-Michael Key.
Warner Bros. delved into Roald Dahl's timeless tale once before with the 2005 Tim Burton-helmed "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," featuring Johnny Depp. The movie premiered with $56.2 million and ultimately earned $475 million globally.
"Wonka" is also raking in good reviews from critics and the general audience. Rotten Tomato gave it an 84% score, with the audience giving it 91%.
"No one will ever play the bright comic exterior and dark soul of Willy Wonka like Gene Wilder, but Timothee Chalamet takes a charming shot at it in this wispy musical origin story that earns a pass for offering much needed family fun for the holidays," said Peter Travers from ABC News.
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