Glen Powell’s latest film, the comedic crime thriller How to Make a Killing, is encountering ongoing difficulties at the North American box office despite expanding to more theaters last weekend. Released on February 20 and distributed by A24, the movie now plays in 1,726 theaters across the region, but this increased availability has not improved its financial performance. The Glen Powell box office struggle remains apparent as the film falls short of expectations.
Dismal Revenue Results and Overseas Performance
How to Make a Killing has amassed a worldwide total of about $6.2 million against its $15 million production budget, according to Box Office Mojo. Nearly all of this revenue comes from North America, while international markets remain practically untapped, contributing only $6,000 from a limited release in Lithuania. This lack of overseas support further compounds the movie’s fiscal woes.
Opening Weekend and Subsequent Decline
The film’s opening weekend garnered $3.4 million from 1,625 theaters, achieving a per-theater average of $2,146 and securing the 6th spot in domestic box office rankings. However, its second weekend performance showed a steep 55.2% drop, with earnings falling to $1.5 million despite the theater count increasing by 101 locations. Its per-screen average plunged to $905, causing its box office rank to slip to 9th place, signaling a stark loss of momentum.
Hefty Competition Limits Audience Draw
Strong contenders such as Scream 7, Wuthering Heights, and GOAT are attracting significant audience attention, overshadowing How to Make a Killing’s presence in theaters nationwide. This crowded market has made it difficult for Glen Powell’s film to maintain its footing. This underperformance marks a second commercial disappointment for Glen Powell within a year, following the earlier struggles of The Running Man.
Financial Outlook Remains Grim Despite Controlled Budget
Even with a modest $15 million budget, the movie’s chances of reaching the approximate break-even point of $37.5 million seem bleak given its current rate of earnings. The financial indicators suggest considerable hurdles lie ahead, with limited opportunities for recovery in its theatrical run.
Crisp Divide Between Critics and Audiences
Critical reaction to How to Make a Killing has been mixed and largely negative, with only 46% approval across 133 reviews. Meanwhile, audience feedback shows stronger approval at 77%, based on over 250 verified ratings. Despite relatively favorable audience responses, this support has yet to convert into box office gains, leaving the movie in a precarious position going forward.
Plot and Cast Details Highlight Film’s Premise
The film stars Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow, a blue-collar worker who was disowned at birth by his exceptionally wealthy family. Determined to reclaim his inheritance, he confronts numerous relatives willing to block his path. The cast also features Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, and Ed Harris.
Implications and Future Prospects
Given the current box office trends, How to Make a Killing’s ongoing theatrical run faces significant challenges. The Glen Powell box office struggle illustrates the difficulties that mid-budget films encounter in a competitive market dominated by established franchises and widely publicized releases. It remains to be seen whether the film can sustain enough interest to improve its financial standing or if its theatrical window will close prematurely.
