entertainmentneutral
Winds of Box‑Office Change: A Tale of Love, Laughter and Lessons
USA, Los AngelesSunday, February 15, 2026
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The weekend after Valentine’s Day saw a surprising surge for the romantic drama “Wuthering Heights.”
- Domestic: $33 million from 3,682 theaters.
- Projected: ~$40 million by Monday’s President’s Day.
Internationally, the film opened stronger:
- First day: $42 million.
- Global total: $82 million.
With a production cost of $80 million and hefty global marketing spend, the film may need overseas audiences to meet its budget.
Why It Matters
Director Emerald Fennell chose a theatrical route over a $150 million Netflix offer, confident that wide releases and big marketing will pay off. Her previous work includes the Oscar‑winning Promising Young Woman and the controversial Saltburn.
- Stars: Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi
- Audience mix: Over 75 % women at opening weekend.
- CinemaScore: “B” – mixed word‑of‑mouth.
Other Releases
| Film | Opening Position | Gross (Weekend) | Total by Monday* | Budget | CinemaScore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOAT (animated sports adventure) | 2nd | $26 million | $32 million | $80 million | “A” |
| Crime 101 (heist thriller) | 3rd | $15.1 million | $17–18 million | $90 million | “B” |
| Send Help (horror) | 4th | $9 million | $10.7 million | $40 million | — |
| Solo Mio (PG comedy) | 5th | $6.2 million | $7.8 million | — | — |
| Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (sci‑fi comedy) | 7th | $3.6 million | $4.1 million | — | “B” |
*Projected earnings include domestic and international totals.
These varied results illustrate how film studios weigh theatrical releases against streaming strategies, and how audience reception can shape a movie’s financial future.
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