Fantasy musical Wonka bounces back to the top of the North American box office

The fantasy musical “Wonka” regained its top position at the North American box office during the New Year’s weekend, bringing a modest end to an overall lackluster year for Hollywood, as reported by industry watcher Exhibitor Relations on Sunday.

The Warner Bros. film secured an estimated $24 million over the three-day weekend in the US and Canada, reaching $31.8 million when factoring in New Year’s Day. Globally, the movie has crossed the $140 million mark domestically and earned $244 million worldwide.

Despite a challenging year for the film industry, with numbers around 20 percent below the three-year pre-pandemic average, “Wonka” managed to draw audiences. Analyst David A. Gross noted a shift in audience preferences from universe-saving action films to stories with more local appeal.

“Wonka” is a family-friendly fantasy with Timothee Chalamet portraying a younger version of Roald Dahl’s iconic chocolatier. The film also features Hugh Grant in a memorable role as a grouchy, green-haired, gnome-like Oompa Loompa.

Last week’s box office leader, Warner Bros.’ “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” slipped to the second position, earning $19.5 million over three days ($26.3 million for four days). Jason Momoa reprises his role as the sea-dwelling superhero, teaming up with his half-brother and former foe to combat turmoil and climate change.

In the third spot was Illumination and Universal’s animated comedy “Migration,” portraying the adventures of a family of mallard ducks flying from New England to Jamaica. The film earned $17.2 million over three days ($23 million for four days).

Rounding out a successful weekend for Warner Bros., the new musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” secured the fourth spot with $13 million ($17.7 million). Based on the Alice Walker novel, the film follows the struggles and triumphs of Celie, a young Black woman in rural Georgia in the early 20th century. Fantasia Barrino-Taylor, an “American Idol” winner, plays Celie, a role originally portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1985 film. The musical also features performances by Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., and Colman Domingo.