Disney’s Zootopia proved a massive success as it was able to oust Deadpool after three consecutive weeks atop the weekend box office.
The animated family friendly movie, directed by Byron Howard (Tangled) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It-Ralph), follows the story of a rabbit named Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) who has dreams of becoming a police officer in the big city. Judy soon befriends a loveable con artist named Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) who helps her uncover an alarming conspiracy.
Early testing indicated that the movie would be a hit, but even Disney executives were pleasantly surprised as the film grossed almost $75 million to surpass Frozen for the title of Disney’s largest ever opening for an animated movie. Frozen, which debuted in 2012 at $67 million, went on to top $400 million before its run was over.
With such a big hit on their hands and no other family orientated movies on the horizon until mid-April, consumers can expect Disney to take full advantage of the film’s success with toys and other marketing tactics aimed to extend the movie’s shelf life.
“When you have success like this that’s matched with such high marks … our machine turns quickly to address opportunity,” said Disney exec Dave Hollis.
Zootopia’s take of $73.7 million more than tripled the take of its closest competitor in the Gerard Butler and Morgan Freeman-led action thriller, London Has Fallen, which bowed in at $21.7 million. Reigning champion, Deadpool, fell to No. 3 this week with another $16.4 million earned. Tina Fey and Margot Robbie’s war dramedy, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, opened at No. 4 with a somewhat disappointing tally of just $7.6 million. And rounding out the top five is the bust of a period piece drama. Gods of Egypt, which brought in another $5 million after last week’s flop opening of $14 million. Experts expect Lionsgate to pull the plug on it soon as it’s been widely panned and may not be in the top 10 next week.
For the full weekend top 10, check out the list below:
1. Zootopia – $73.7M
2. London Has Fallen – $21.7M
3. Deadpool – $16.4M
4. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – $7.6M
5. Gods of Egypt – $5.0M
6. Risen – $3.8M
7. Kung Fu Panda 3 – $3.5M
8. The Revenant – $3.3M
9. Eddie The Eagle – $3.1M
10. The Witch – $2.5M
