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‘Wildwood’ Officially Faces an Uphill Box Office Battle
Laika’s stop-motion fantasy film *Wildwood* has earned strong reviews but is struggling at the box office, raising doubts about whether it can recoup its reported $100 million budget. Its performance highlights the challenge facing original animated films as major franchise releases dominate cinema audiences.
The film took 22% less in ticket sales last weekend, earning $7 million in North America and bringing its worldwide total to $47.5 million. Directed by Travis Knight, it stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as a girl searching for her kidnapped brother, alongside a voice cast including Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan and Mahershala Ali.
In short
- *Wildwood* has earned $47.5 million worldwide so far.
- It reportedly cost $100 million to make.
- Strong reviews have not translated into strong ticket sales.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Wildwood’s box-office results may show that original animated films face a steep commercial hurdle when audiences are drawn to established franchises. Strong reviews and an ambitious reported budget suggest the film could have lasting artistic value, while its performance may prompt studios and cinemas to give distinctive, non-franchise work more room to find an audience.
The case against
A costly production must attract enough ticket buyers to justify the investment, and Wildwood’s reported $47.5 million worldwide total raises a legitimate concern about whether it can recoup its budget. Audiences’ preference for familiar franchises may reflect their own choices, and studios weighing future projects need to consider whether similarly expensive original films can reach a sufficiently broad audience.