Primate, released on January 9 as the first major horror movie of the year, has outperformed what is considered the largest box office failure in Dwayne Johnson’s career within just five days. The film, backed by Paramount Pictures and made with an estimated $24 million budget, opened in 2,964 theaters across the United States. Though its commercial response remains modest, Primate has already eclipsed Johnson’s previous low-performing film in global earnings.
Box Office Numbers Indicate Stronger Domestic Interest Than International
Worldwide, Primate has brought in approximately $15.2 million, with $13.1 million generated in North America and only $2.1 million coming from overseas markets, according to Box Office Mojo. This disparity highlights the movie’s limited traction beyond the domestic audience, even as it manages to maintain a steady presence in U.S. theaters during the initial week.
- North America – $13.1 million
- International – $2.1 million
- Worldwide – $15.2 million
Competitive Theatrical Landscape Challenges Mid-Range Films Like Primate
Primate’s launch came amid a hectic schedule of major releases including James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash, the animated sequel Zootopia 2, Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid, and the Timothée Chalamet-led Marty Supreme. Despite this, Primate debuted with a $4.5 million Friday box office and secured second place on that day’s U.S. charts. However, attendance declined over the weekend and further into the week, with Tuesday’s earnings dropping to $1.2 million and a shift to third place.
Critical Acclaim Fails to Translate Into Sustained Box Office Success
The film’s positive reviews from critics have not yet resulted in long-term commercial strength. Currently, the trend points toward disappointing theatrical returns rather than steady growth or a breakout hit, even though horror enthusiasts have responded well to the genre offering.
Comparison With Dwayne Johnson’s MMA Biopic Highlights Industry Challenges
Primate’s earnings have already surpassed those of The Smashing Machine, an A24 MMA biopic starring Dwayne Johnson that concluded last year with only $21.3 million worldwide, including $11.4 million in the U.S. Despite favorable critical and viewer reactions, The Smashing Machine experienced a sharp decline in its third weekend, losing 82% of its domestic box office and pulling out of 2,502 theaters. This steep drop marked the largest weekend percentage fall and theater reduction for any of Johnson’s projects.
Upcoming Release Week May Test Primate’s Longevity in Theaters
Primate faces an uncertain future similar to The Smashing Machine’s, as it is expected to lose a considerable number of screens. Alongside Greenland 2: Migration, which is also experiencing limited audience turnout, Primate will likely see a severe theater reduction in the coming weekend, complicating its prospects for maintaining momentum.
Plot Synopsis: When a Tropical Vacation Turns Into a Fight for Survival
Directed by Johannes Roberts, Primate centers on a family vacationing in a tropical setting with their pet chimpanzee, Ben. The situation takes a dark turn when Ben is bitten by a rabid animal, triggering a violent transformation that transforms their holiday into a nightmare for the family and their companions.
Implications for Mid-Budget Films and Box Office Trends in 2024
The early performance of Primate reveals the challenges faced by mid-budget films in a marketplace dominated by blockbuster releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash, as well as highly anticipated sequels and star-driven dramas. The mixed box office results underscore the difficulty of sustaining audience interest beyond the initial curiosity, highlighting a cautious outlook for similar releases this year.
“Primate has already surpassed last year’s A24-backed MMA biopic The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson.”
– Source
