As of Sunday, David Leitch’s “The Fall Guy” topped the North American weekend box office. Originally expected to gross at least $30 million in its North American debut, the actual weekend box office revenue was only $28.5 million, falling short of expectations.
According to Variety, Universal Pictures’ “The Fall Guy” premiered in 4,002 theaters in North America, bringing in $28.5 million at the box office, below expectations, with a global box office revenue of $654 million. Considering the film’s production cost of $140 million, it would need to generate at least $30 to $40 million in North America to be profitable during its theatrical run.
By Sunday, the film had garnered a 83% approval rating from critics on the review site Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score of 87%. Audience polling on the CinemaScore website in North America gave it an “A-” grade. Critics summarized, “With action, comedy, romance, and a fantastic pair of stars, ‘The Fall Guy’ is a rare mainstream film that can delight everyone.”
“The Fall Guy” faced little competition in North America over the weekend, with the second-ranked film being the 1999 film “Star Wars: Episode I–The Phantom Menace,” the first film in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy, re-released to celebrate its 25th anniversary, earning $8.1 million at the North American box office and $14.4 million globally.
“Challengers,” in its second week of release, dropped from the top spot to third place, earning $6.5 million at the North American box office and $52.26 million globally. It received an 88% approval rating from critics and a 74% approval rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience polling on the CinemaScore website gave it a “B+” grade.
With Disney’s 20th Century Studios’ new film “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” set to premiere in Taiwan and the U.S. on May 8, it is expected to compete with “The Fall Guy,” potentially impacting North American box office revenue.