**”Kung Fu Panda 4″ Kicks Box Office Butt: Jack Black’s Return Wins Hearts & Cash**
### *DreamWorks Animation's latest installment sees success amidst a dry spell in family-friendly films.*
DreamWorks Animation's latest installment sees success amidst a dry spell in family-friendly films.
It’s been a while since we've seen a big animated release hit the theaters, with the last one being Illumination’s “Migration” during the holiday season. But fear not, as "Kung Fu Panda 4" has come to the rescue with impeccable timing, benefiting from a lack of competition and raking in some impressive numbers in its debut.
Universal's animated action comedy flick managed to pull in $19.4 million on its opening day from 4,035 theaters, including preview screenings. This marks the strongest opening day for the series since the original film back in 2008, which clocked in at $20 million on its first day and a total of $60.2 million over the weekend. While the latest installment is projected to hit $55 million in its opening weekend, it’s still set to outperform its predecessors from 2010 and 2016.
With an $85 million production budget, "Kung Fu Panda 4" is off to a successful start. The film has garnered generally positive reviews and an "A-" Cinema Score, indicating that audiences are thoroughly enjoying the fourth installment. Despite upcoming competition from Sony’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” the movie is expected to continue its winning streak in the coming weeks.
Jack Black reprises his role as the lovable Po in "Kung Fu Panda 4," as he faces off against a sinister chameleon sorceress after passing on his title of Dragon Warrior. The star-studded cast includes Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, and Ian McShane, along with newcomers Awkwafina, Viola Davis, and Ke Huy Quan.
Meanwhile, "Dune: Part Two" may be slipping to second place, but it's not far behind "Kung Fu Panda 4." The sci-fi epic has already exceeded the domestic gross of its predecessor, thanks to stellar reviews and audience preference for premium large-format screenings like Imax. The film is on track to hit $150 million domestically by the end of the weekend.
In the horror genre, Lionsgate's "Imaginary" is holding its ground in third place with a projected weekend total of around $10 million. Despite lukewarm reviews and a "C+" Cinema Score, the Blumhouse thriller is off to a decent start with its $12 million production budget. Director Jeff Wadlow helms the film.
Angel Studios returns with "Cabrini," a historical drama based on the life of Francesca Cabrini, a charitable Italian missionary in 19th-century New York. Industry estimates place the film in fourth place with an opening of $7-8 million, backed by a glowing "A" Cinema Score.
Paramount's "Bob Marley: One Love" rounds out the top five, projected to bring in $4.2 million over the weekend. The musician biopic continues to perform well, poised to surpass $90 million domestically and surpass its genre rival, "Rocketman."
As the box office heats up with exciting new releases, it's clear that "Kung Fu Panda 4" has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike, proving that the franchise still has plenty of fighting spirit left.
Hey, I'm Hamza Ilyas, Dubai's very own sports and entertainment guru. Started off at The Aquila School and kicked it at Ajman Academy too. Now, I'm all about bringing you the hottest takes and coolest news from the world of sports and entertainment. Buckle up, it's gonna be one heck of a ride. Connect With Me