“Wuthering Heights” debuted to $34.8 million from 3,682 North American theaters this weekend, exceeding initial expectations and signaling a strong start for the period romantic drama over Valentine’s Day, according to estimates from Warner Bros. Pictures.
The R-rated film, directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is projected to earn $40 million through President’s Day on Monday, though some rivals believe the four-day figure will be closer to $35 million. The film performed even better internationally, bringing in $42 million from 76 territories for a global launch of $82 million. This international success may prove crucial, as the film’s $80 million production budget – not including promotional costs – will require to be offset by strong overseas revenue.
Fennell, known for her previous films “Promising Young Woman” and “Saltburn,” opted for a wide theatrical release with Warner Bros. Despite a reported $150 million offer from Netflix. This decision, supported by Robbie, prioritized a full-scale marketing campaign and a traditional cinematic experience. The move has proven successful, marking Warner Bros.’ ninth consecutive No. 1 opening, following releases such as “A Minecraft Movie,” “Sinners,” “Final Destination Bloodlines” and “Weapons.”
“They were right [to want a theatrical release]. It’s paying off,” said David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “The classic material, solid-looking actors, and steamy treatment are connecting. Business should be strong overseas, thanks to Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.”
The film drew a predominantly female audience, with over 75% of opening weekend crowds identifying as women. However, initial reactions were mixed, as evidenced by a “B” grade on CinemaScore exit polls, raising questions about the film’s long-term staying power and word-of-mouth potential.
Several other films debuted this weekend, but none posed a significant challenge to “Wuthering Heights.” Animated sports adventure “GOAT” came in second with $26 million from 3,862 venues, and a projected $32 million through the holiday. The film, produced by NBA champion Steph Curry, earned an “A” grade on CinemaScore. Heist thriller “Crime 101,” starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan, opened in third place with $15.1 million from 3,161 locations, but faces scrutiny given its $90 million production budget.
Rounding out the top five were survival thriller “Send Help” and the Angel Studios rom-com “Solo Mio.” In limited release, Neon’s mockumentary “Nirvana: The Band The Show The Movie” started strong with $1.2 million from 365 screens.
Domestic revenues are currently 8% ahead of 2025’s tally, according to Comscore, though that figure was bolstered last year by the $100 million four-day launch of Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World.” Upcoming releases, including “Scream 7,” “Hoppers,” a remake of “Frankenstein” titled “The Bride!”, and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” will be closely watched to spot if they can maintain this momentum.
“Although the lack of a Marvel movie made for a comparatively quiet President’s Day weekend, a host of newcomers benefited from the extended holiday frame,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s head of marketplace trends. “This could be the weekend that creates much-needed momentum heading into the month of March.”
