Love, Obsession, and Animated Goats: This Weekend’s Box Office Is Anything But Ordinary
Valentine’s Day came early for moviegoers as Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, swept Thursday previews with a surprising $3 million. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t your grandmother’s Brontë adaptation. Warner Bros. took a bold gamble with director Emerald Fennell, whose steamy, non-Gothic reinterpretation of the 1847 classic has critics divided. Is it a daring reinvention or a departure too far from the source material? One thing’s certain: it’s a risky move for Robbie in the post-Barbie era, and Warner’s $80 million bet—reportedly turning down Netflix’s $150 million offer—is on full display. The studio’s marketing push to lure Gen Z and younger Millennials is undeniable, but will it pay off? Early projections suggest a $40–$50 million four-day weekend, a stellar start for a literary adaptation skewing toward older female audiences. Yet, as The Hollywood Reporter put it, Robbie and Elordi’s chemistry has hearts—and more—‘aquiver.’
And this is the part most people miss: while Wuthering Heights dominates headlines, Sony Animation’s GOAT quietly raked in $1 million in previews, with expectations of a $20 million-plus opening. Inspired by producer Stephen Curry’s childhood, this family-friendly tale follows Will, a determined goat with big dreams, as he defies expectations in the high-octane world of roarball. With a star-studded voice cast including Gabrielle Union and Jennifer Hudson, GOAT is more than just a kids’ movie—it’s a story about proving ‘smalls can ball.’ But will its charm translate into box office gold? Critics are leaning yes, with strong reviews and stellar audience exits.
Meanwhile, Amazon MGM’s Crime 101 is the dark horse of the weekend, earning $1 million in previews and targeting a $15 million-plus debut. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, and Mark Ruffalo, this L.A.-set crime noir—based on Don Winslow’s novella—blurs the line between hunter and hunted as a detective chases a jewel thief operating by a strict set of rules. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 86%, it’s the critics’ darling so far, though THR remains skeptical. Amazon MGM’s $90 million investment is a bold statement, but will audiences bite?
As the long Valentine’s Day/President’s Day weekend unfolds, studios are holding their breath. Preview numbers are promising, but matinee and evening sales will be the real test. Wuthering Heights is already seeing brisk Saturday sales, but will Fennell’s vision resonate beyond the hype? And can GOAT and Crime 101 hold their own in a crowded field? One thing’s clear: this weekend’s box office is a battleground of ambition, risk, and reinvention. What’s your take? Is Wuthering Heights a bold masterpiece or a misstep? Will GOAT be the underdog winner? Let us know in the comments!
