John Wick: Chapter 4 Takes the Box Office by Storm
John Wick is back, and he is not messing around. The latest entry in this action-packed franchise, John Wick: Chapter 4, debuted over the weekend and smashed box office records. The movie generated $73.5 million in North America and a staggering $137.5 million worldwide, making it the biggest R-rated opening weekend since the pandemic began.
The Ninth Movie Series to Reach a Record Debut
This latest entry in the John Wick franchise is only the ninth film series in the last 40 years to reach a record debut in its fourth outing. Of those nine, only four others have grown in popularity with each new entry, highlighting the series’ enduring appeal.
A Commercial Success and Critical Darling
John Wick 4’s early commercial success is in line with its widespread critical acclaim. IGN called the movie a “masterpiece,” praising its “modern epic” storyline and action sequences that stand above not only its predecessors but also the past decade’s worth of action films as a whole.
A Sizable Jump from Its Predecessors
With $14 million for the original John Wick, $30 million for Chapter 2, and $56 million for Chapter 3, Chapter 4’s $73.5 million represents a sizable jump from the other entries. The movie had a budget of $100 million, which means its opening weekend alone has already surpassed the production costs.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods Struggles
While John Wick: Chapter 4 dominated the box office, DC’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods struggled in its second weekend, earning just $9.7 million and a 69% decline from its debut. Despite its $110 million production costs and similarly-sized marketing budget, the movie has only earned about $46 million in North America so far.
Other Top Movies in the Weekend
Aside from John Wick and Shazam!, other movies in the weekend’s top five included Scream VI, Creed III, and 65. With plenty of action-packed sequels for moviegoers to choose from, it’s clear that audiences still have a hunger for more of the same.