In a quiet weekend at the box office, "Mean Girls" remained in the top spot with $11.7 million in ticket sales. The Paramount Pictures film, written by Tina Fey, has now surpassed $50 million in total earnings after two weeks in theaters. It is also outpacing the original 2004 film of the same name.
The only new wide release film, "I.S.S.," debuted with $3 million on 2,518 screens. The sci-fi thriller, which explores the scenario of war breaking out between the U.S. and Russia aboard the International Space Station, received mixed reviews and a "C-" CinemaScore from audiences.
Overall, it was a slow weekend for moviegoing, even by January standards. The top 10 films collectively earned just $51.3 million at the box office. With a similarly thin release schedule expected for the following weekend, this trend may continue and pose challenges for Hollywood in 2024. Delays in production caused by last year's strikes have created significant gaps in this year's movie calendar.
In terms of other films, "The Beekeeper" came in second place with $8.5 million, bringing its total to $31.1 million. "Wonka" took third place with $6.4 million and has earned $187.2 million domestically after six weeks in theaters. Sony Pictures' "Anyone But You" reached $100 million globally in its fifth week, making it the highest-grossing R-rated romantic comedy since 2016's "Bridget Jones's Baby." It earned $5.4 million domestically, landing in fourth place.
Expanding awards contenders also garnered attention over the weekend. Ava DuVernay's "Origin," starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, debuted in 125 theaters and earned $875,000. Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things," which won the Golden Globe for best comedy-musical, added 820 theaters and grossed $2 million. Cord Jefferson's "American Fiction" expanded to 850 screens and earned $1.8 million. Jonathan Glazer's "The Zone of Interest" grossed $447,684 on 82 screens.
However, "The Color Purple," despite critical acclaim and the support of producers Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, has seen a decline in audience interest. In its fourth week, the musical directed by Blitz Bazawule earned just $720,000, bringing its domestic total to $59.3 million. This falls short of expectations for the film, which had a $100 million budget.
Overall, it was a lackluster weekend at the box office, with limited new releases and low attendance. The industry may face challenges in the coming year due to production delays.