Mission accomplished: ‘Rogue One’ obliterates the box office
Weekend Box Office, Dec. 16-18, 2016
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) - To the surprise of no one, “Rogue One: A Star War Story” dominated this weekend at the box office with an estimated $155 million. Sure, that’s a far cry from the $247 million that “The Force Awakens” debuted to last year. In comparison, “Captain America: Civil War,” currently this year’s highest-grossing film worldwide, earned $179 million over its first weekend in May. “Civil War” went on to earn a worldwide gross of $1.1 billion. I suspect that “Rogue One” will eventually match, if not surpass, that total. Factor in early international numbers and "Rogue One" has already earned $290 million.
Chronologically, “Rogue One” is set between the events of “Revenge of the Sith” and the original “Star Wars,” which was later re-branded “A New Hope” when it became apparent that there was ample demand for a sequel.
“Rogue One” is something of a departure, as the narrative isn’t focused on a Jedi character. The Force, the mythical power that connects all living things and grants the Jedi and Sith their abilities, still plays a role, but at its core this film is a war movie with sci-fi elements.
In second place is “Moana,” Disney’s latest animated feature, with $11.6 million, pushing the film past the $280 million mark worldwide.
“Office Christmas Party,” the rather adult comedy starring Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston and TJ Miller, took third place with $8.4 million. The film has now earned $31 million stateside and more than $50 million worldwide.
“Collateral Beauty,” Will Smith’s new drama about a man unable to recover from the loss of his child, managed only $7 million. Abysmal reviews, “Rogue One” and a general lack of interest will keep the film, which cost $36 million to make, from turning a profit anytime soon.
In fifth place is "FantasticBeasts and Where to Find Them" with $5 million. The film has now earned nearly $720 million worldwide.
Oscar favorite “La La Land” expanded to 200 theaters and brought in just over $4 million - a healthy start to what promises to be a run that will stretch into February.
