The highly anticipated film adaptation of Wuthering Heights is poised for significant box office success this Valentine’s weekend, with early projections indicating a strong global debut. The film, directed by Emerald Fennell and featuring stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is expected to earn between $70 million and $80 million globally in its opening weekend.
Warner Bros. plans to release Wuthering Heights in approximately 3,600 locations across North America. The studio anticipates a domestic haul of $40 million to $50 million over the four-day Presidents Day weekend. Internationally, the film will screen on 11,600 screens across 79 territories, aiming for an additional $30 million from this global rollout. Major markets include the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Australia, among others.
Box Office Strategy and Audience Appeal
The film’s revenue potential is further enhanced by premium formats such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema, which are expected to attract audiences willing to pay higher ticket prices. Fennell’s adaptation aligns with Elordi’s recent Oscar nomination for Netflix’s Frankenstein, marking a significant moment for the director as her first wide studio release.
In the United States, early tracking shows that the film is particularly appealing to women over 25. Females under 25 are also showing strong interest, reflecting similar benchmarks set by previous hits like Fifty Shades Darker and It Ends With Us, which opened at $46.6 million and $50 million, respectively. The film currently holds a 71% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a favorable critical reception.
U.S. previews for the R-rated adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel will begin at 15:00 on Thursday. Warner Bros. acquired the production from MRC for $80 million, notably outbidding Netflix, which had offered $150 million for the rights.
Comparative Performance and Early Earnings
Internationally, early previews have already generated $1.8 million in the UK, indicating a solid foundation for the film’s success. The production was filmed in the scenic Yorkshire Dales, providing a picturesque backdrop for the romantic tale of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.
Looking at comparable films, The Housemaid debuted with $34.8 million and ultimately grossed over $350 million worldwide. With strong early indicators and a well-established audience base, Wuthering Heights is set to make a significant impact at the box office this Valentine’s weekend.
