DreamWorks’ Epic Fantasy Adventure Officially Exits 2,000 Theaters
DreamWorks’ animated fantasy *Forgotten Island* is losing nearly 580 cinemas as it enters its fifth week, with its release set to shrink from more than 3,500 venues to around 1,500. The reduction comes as Universal makes room for Laika’s new film *Wildwood*, while *Forgotten Island* prepares to arrive on premium video-on-demand.
The film has earned about $65 million worldwide against a reported $80 million budget, far short of the roughly $160 million it would need to break even under a traditional split of ticket revenue. Its box-office result contrasts with strong reviews: it holds a 95% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its friendship story and Filipino folklore.
In short
- *Forgotten Island* is leaving nearly 580 cinemas.
- It has grossed about $65 million worldwide.
- Critics have rated it 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Theatre reductions can be a sensible response to limited screen space when a film’s ticket sales are unlikely to cover its costs, especially as it moves towards premium video-on-demand. Making room for a new release may help cinemas offer audiences fresh choices and use their screens where demand is strongest.
The case against
A sharp reduction in screenings may cut short the theatrical opportunity for a well-reviewed film, particularly one drawing on Filipino folklore and a friendship story that audiences might discover through word of mouth. Keeping it in more cinemas for longer could give that interest time to grow and recognise that a film’s cultural or artistic value is not captured by its early box-office returns alone.