It seems that listening to audiences has paid off in a big way for Paramount. Sonic the Hedgehog made a record-breaking $57 million in its opening weekend. This makes Sonic the Hedgehog the biggest opening ever for a video game movie. The video game adaptation just beat out 2019’s Detective Pikachu, which earned $54.3 million.
Sonic released on Friday, February 14, aka Valentine’s Day, after a delay in release from November 8, 2019. Initial reactions to the trailer were quite negative. In response the filmmakers decided to redesign the titular speedy blue hedgehog, giving him a more faithful appearance.
However, Valentine’s Day didn’t have the weekend all to itself. Monday the 17th marks President’s Day, making this a four day weekend. This extra day means more time for movie-going and box office revenue.
Because of this extra day, Sonic earned an additional $11 million, bringing its total opening $68 million domestic.
This makes Sonic the Hedgehog the fourth biggest movie to open on President’s Day weekend. Only Marvel’s Black Panther and Deadpool and Universal’s Fifty Shades of Grey have had larger openings.
Sonic also thrived in the international market, making $43 million. Many people, whether they be kids, families or casual moviegoers, made this their Valentine’s Day weekend movie of choice. The combined total for Sonic in its opening weekend comes to $111 million worldwide.
By comparison, Birds of Prey fell by 48% in ticket sales after just one week along with scathing critical reviews. The Harley Quinn movie, retitled by some theaters as Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey, only brought in $17.1 million domestic and $19.5 million for the 4-day weekend. This brings its total to $61.6 million domestic and only $145.2 million worldwide.
Also read: First Look at Harley Quinn on The Suicide Squad Set
However, not all movies were hindered by Sonic’s speedy success. Recent multiple Oscar winner Parasite saw a 234% increase. The Best Picture winner brought in $5.5 million domestic in its 19th weekend after a slow starting run. Perhaps more surprisingly, Jumanji: The Next Level also saw a minor increase of 3% – $5.7 million domestic. This bump brings its total to $307 million domestic and $780 million worldwide.
Sonic the Hedgehog stars Ben Schwartz as the voice of the titular speedster hedgehog. James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Lee Majdoub, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally and Jim Carrey co-star.
Additionally, Carrey fans will be happy to know that the 4-day opening weekend gross makes Sonic the Hedgehog the comedic actor’s best movie opener since Bruce Almighty. The 2003 comedy opened at $67.9 million domestic without adjusting for inflation.
Sonic the Hedgehog is currently playing in theatres.
