WB's 'Godzilla vs. Kong' has posted the highest opening weekend of any film post-COVID, in a hopeful sign that audiences are ready to come back to cinemas for blockbusters.
Independent cinema operators are cautiously optimistic about the road ahead as they push forward with their SCREEN Fund applications.
Seems audiences are still hopping to it: Australian-UK co-production 'Peter Rabbit 2' is now no. 1 at the box office, having knocked off 'Godzilla vs. Kong' as both titles enter their fourth week.
Warner Bros.' 'Mortal Kombat' proved the main attraction at the box office last weekend, driving almost half of all trade, and ranking as one of the highest R-rated openers of all time.
In a clash of the actioners, Guy Ritchie's 'Wrath of Man' narrowly defeated 'Mortal Kombat' at the box office last weekend, with the two titles driving almost half of all ticket sales.
With no new major releases, last weekend saw the lowest box office tally of the year so far.
Just over a week ago 'F9' revved into cinemas, posting the highest opening weekend since the pandemic began. Many exhibitors were then excited about the further promise of school holidays and two other upcoming major releases in 'The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard' and 'In The Heights'.
But what a difference a week can make, with new outbreaks of the virus impacting cinemas across the country and disrupting the market.
Despite school holidays, last weekend proved relatively quiet at the movies, with cinemas still shut in Sydney and other parts of the country.