Romulus’ Scores Strongly for Hollywood

“Alien: Romulus” has become Hollywood’s second biggest film of the year at the mainland China box office, following a strong second weekend hold.

The film picked up RMB140 million ($19.7 million) between Friday and Sunday in China, according to data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway. That compares favorably with its $26.2 million opening weekend and gives it a cumulative of RMB523 ($73.7 million) since releasing on Aug. 16.

Among Hollywood import titles in 2024, the running total is beaten only by (Chinese-backed) “Godzilla v Kong” which amassed $134 million.

In less than two weeks, “Alien” has jumped ahead of a cluster of Hollywood’s other franchise titles and the $50 million ceiling that most have been stuck beneath. “Kung Fu Panda 4” earned $52 million in China. “Despicable Me 4” earned $56 million. “Dune 2” earned $49.7 million. “Inside Out 2” earned $48 million.

Imax reports that, of the latest weekend gross figure, the film earned $2.75 million on its screens. After ten days, “Alien Romulus” has earned $11.6 million on the circuit’s giant screens, or approximately 16% of its China total.

Opening in second place, was the Gu Changwei-directed light drama “The Hedgehog.” It is a friendship story involving a rebellious and stuttering teenager and his mentally-handicapped uncle. Significantly, the picture stars enduringly popular Ge You (“Let the Bullets Fly” “If You Are the One”) and Karry Wang (real name Wang Junkai), a member of the TFBoys boy band (alongside Jackson Yee and Roy Wang). The film earned RMB74.4 million ($105 million).

Close behind was another new release Chinese film, “Untouchable,” which weighed in with RMB73.4 million ($10.3 million). A crime drama, directed by Wang Daqing, it stars Shen Teng, Zhang Yuqi and Jack Kao.

Chinese crime actioner, “Go for Broke” slipped to fourth place in its second weekend on release with $7.1 million between Friday and Sunday. A tale of revenge against a group of drug dealers, the film has accumulated $33.4 million in ten days of release.

Also in its second weekend in China, Japanese animation “Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram” added $4.8 million. After ten days, it has accumulated $29.2 million.

Local data sources show that Thai comedy-drama hit “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” opened outside the top five and with a three-day score estimated at $4.4 million.

Artisan Gateway reports that the nationwide box office total was $70.8 million for the weekend. That increases the year-to-date total to $4.62 billion. That is more than 21% below the equivalent figure in 2023.