Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has wreaked havoc worldwide with its astronomical box office collections. Despite getting very mixed to negative critical reception, the MonsterVerse flick has managed to rope in a worldwide collection of $194 million in its first weekend. With this figure, the Adam Wingard directorial has beaten the opening weekend record of Dune 2.
Timothée Chalamet’s Dune 2 was the first major hit at the box office this year. It also had incredible word-of-mouth among the masses and the critics. However, the audience was shocked and mad with excitement to learn that Godzilla x Kong had managed to grab such a massive collection even after being called mediocre and average by several critics.
Godzilla x Kong is standing tall at the worldwide box office
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is set after the events of 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong and follows the two kaijus joining hands to fight against Skar King and another climate-changing Titan. Although the MonsterVerse films were never meant to be critical hits, many critics expected the film to be overshadowed by the recent critical and commercial success of Toho’s Godzilla Minus One.
As per Variety, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has earned a total of $194 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Entertainment Weekly reported that the fifth MonsterVerse film has claimed the spot of the biggest opening weekend of the year by beating Dune 2. The Timothée Chalamet starrer had previously occupied the spot with $178.5 million.
Domestically, Godzilla x Kong has managed to earn $80 million, standing close behind Dune 2 ($81.5 million). The latest MonsterVerse film has beaten the collection of all other films in the franchise except 2014’s Godzilla, which opened with $93 million (via Box Office Mojo). Now, it will be interesting to see if the Godzilla x Kong can maintain its run and end with a blockbuster verdict.
According to The Numbers, Dune 2 has earned $626 million worldwide. Godzilla vs. Kong was a pandemic hit that was praised for bringing back audiences to the theaters. With its budget of $135 million, The New Empire has yet to go a long way. However, the fans are surprised that the 2024 film has even surpassed Dune 2. They have taken over the internet to express their excitement.
Godzilla x Kong defeating Dune 2 is a shocker for fans
With its success, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire has shown the true power of a no-brainer entertainment package. Although the film was not welcomed by the critics, it was a fun joyride for the fans. It has faced some valid criticisms like the human characters being one-dimensional. However, it seems like most people did not care much and only wanted to experience Kaiju fun on the big screens.
Let’s take a look at some reactions that show how the fans are shocked and excited at the worldwide success of Godzilla x Kong.
Even bigger than Dune 2 ? 😱🤯 pic.twitter.com/7Q0XUb9Ye5
— Say My Name (@Name__Error_404) March 31, 2024
it’s pretty sad that this’ll make more than Dune
— Zay⚡️ (@rollupmywrist) March 31, 2024
WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/rbioPd4MSe
— Xraypc (@XrayPC) March 31, 2024
Interesting that it topped Dune 2
— The Proud Rebel (@the_proud_rebel) March 31, 2024
Wow to pass #DunePartTwo and post this huge numbers is amazing. All in $135 mil budget. This is how to make blockbusters and manage costs 👍🏼🎉🎉🎉 #GodzillaxKongTheNewEmpire awesome movie!!!! https://t.co/BRD8b9qgtd
— Anthony (@Nalindra88) March 31, 2024
It can’t be denied that Godzilla x Kong does not come even close to Dune 2 in any aspect. Nevertheless, it shows how all films do not need to be critically acclaimed and technically brilliant to be successful. It will be exciting to see if the film is also successful in beating the total collection of Dune 2.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Dune 2 are running in theaters near you.
