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“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” debuted on top of the mainland China box office with an opening weekend score of $11.4 million (RMB81.1 million).
That was only the fourth weekend this year that a Hollywood film has topped the China charts and the third time in 2024 that a Hollywood title has opened on top. “Apes” was also the top film this weekend in North America and international markets.
Data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway showed that the film accounted for some 30% of the theatrical total on a weekend where theaters earned a combined $38.2 million. The nationwide total represented a significant slump compared with the previous May Day holiday weekend which was worth $109 million.
On a year-to-date basis, Chinese theaters have earned $2.92 billion. That still leaves China as the world’s biggest theatrical market so far in 2024, ahead of North America where cumulative takings amount to $2.92. But the gap may narrow – and reverse – if the popcorn season proves strong in North America.
“The Last Frenzy,” a Chinese comedy film about a dying man’s last hurrah, fell from first to second place. It earned $8.9 million (RMB62.9 million) for a 12-day total of $73.4 million.
“Twilight of the Gods: Walled In,” a crime action title from Hong Kong, earned $8 million on its second official weekend of release. It now has a cumulative of $64.9 million.
“Formed Police Unit,” a title about Chinese peacekeeping forces working with the United Nations, earned $3.9 million. It has a cumulative of $66.1 million.
Japanese animation, “Spy x Family Code: White” added $2.4 million. Since releasing in China on April 30, it has amassed a running total of $37 million.
Other data providers suggest that 2004 Studio Ghibli animation title “Howl’s Moving Castle,” released theatrically for the first time in China, ranked closely behind. It has earned $20 million since opening on April 30.
