In a hopeful sign that the theatrical market is getting back on track, 'Eternals' posted the fourth largest opening of the pandemic-era last weekend, behind only 'Black Widow', 'Godzilla vs. Kong' and 'Fast & Furious 9'.
With all cinemas in the country now allowed to trade, the national box office was up 67 per cent last weekend, and for the first time in almost three months, two titles earned more than $1 million.
The theatrical debut of Disney's 'Black Widow' smashed pandemic-era records in the US, but in Australia, where Sydney remains in lockdown, the film couldn't surpass the opening weekends of recent titles 'F9' or 'Godzilla vs. Kong'.
Despite school holidays, last weekend proved relatively quiet at the movies, with cinemas still shut in Sydney and other parts of the country.
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.
With no new major releases, last weekend saw the lowest box office tally of the year so far.
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.
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.