‘Successor’ Takes Fifth Weekend Win

Chinese family comedy-drama, “Successor” held on to its place at the top of the mainland China box office for the fifth week as “Deadpool & Wolverine” slipped out of the Chinese top five in its third weekend of release.

“Successor” earned RMB179 million ($25.2 million) between Friday and Sunday, according to data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway. That gives it a total of $420 million since releasing on July 16. It is by far the biggest film of the summer season and has now become the fourth highest-grossing film of the year in China. Its latest weekend victory, however, was a narrow one.

In second place, Ruyi Films’ “Upstream” earned $23.4 million over its opening weekend (and even took top spot on Friday’s daily chart). With previews, the filmt has a cumulative of $25.8 million. The drama is directed by Xu Zheng and Tong Zhi-jian and tells the uplifting story of a former tech industry executive who reinvents himself as a food delivery guy after he loses his job.

Another newcomer, Lightchaser Animation’s “White Snake: Afloat” earned $19.3 million in two days, from a Saturday release.

“Decoded,” which previously placed second, slipped to fourth place. It earned $7.3 million for a cumulative of $40.8 million since releasing on Aug. 3.

Dirty Monkey’s “Land of Broken Hearts” earned $6.9 million in a two-day opening session. The romantic comedy drama is produced by veteran Ning Hao and directed by Wen Shipao. It tells the story of a man who believes that he is trapped inside a movie, but comes to discover love after the mysterious arrival and disappearance of a woman.

Other data providers show estimated figures of $4.09 million for “Deadpool & Wolverine” and a cumulative of $55.4 million. That makes it one of the stronger Hollywood titles of the year and bigger than the $44 million of “Despicable Me 4,” which had been the biggest import title of July.

Artisan Gateway calculates that the latest weekend gross box office across Chian was $93.5 million. That expands the running total to $4.35 billion, a figure which is 19% behind the same point last year.

The firm reports a soft July worth $758 million. That makes it the second biggest month of the year, but also 45% weaker than July last year. The summer season has seen the flop of several star-driven local movies, including “Customs Frontline,” “A Legend” and “The Traveller.”