Sarah grabbed her boyfriend’s hand as they scrolled through movie showtimes on her phone, Valentine’s Day weekend plans still up in the air. “What about that new Wuthering Heights movie?” she suggested, pointing at the romantic drama starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie. Little did she know, thousands of other couples were making the exact same decision – and it’s already paying off big time for Hollywood.
The film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel isn’t even officially out yet, but the Wuthering Heights box office numbers are already turning heads across the industry. Sometimes the stars just align perfectly for a movie release, and this Valentine’s Day weekend might be one of those magical moments.
What makes this even more impressive is that we’re talking about preview numbers here – the real test comes when the weekend rolls around and couples everywhere decide how to spend their romantic evening out.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Wuthering Heights Is Already a Hit
The Wuthering Heights box office performance kicked off with a bang during Thursday night previews. Warner Bros reported that the film pulled in an impressive $3 million from 3,000 theaters nationwide – and that was just the appetizer.
But here’s where it gets really interesting. The studio is sitting on $14 million in advance ticket sales for the full weekend, which has industry analysts predicting something special. “We’re looking at potential opening weekend numbers between $40-50 million,” says entertainment analyst Mark Rodriguez. “That’s the kind of start that can make or break a film’s entire theatrical run.”
To put this in perspective, director Emerald Fennell’s previous work had much more modest beginnings. Her 2023 film “Saltburn” opened in just seven theaters and earned around $315,000-$322,000 in its first weekend. Even “Promising Young Woman,” which won Fennell an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, started with $719,305 during its pandemic-affected 2020 release.
The jump from those numbers to what we’re seeing with Wuthering Heights is absolutely staggering. “It shows what happens when you combine proven talent with major star power and perfect timing,” notes box office expert Jennifer Walsh.
Breaking Down the Box Office Battle
Valentine’s Day weekend is always competitive at theaters, and this year is no exception. Wuthering Heights isn’t flying solo – it’s facing off against several other major releases that could split audience attention.
Here’s what the weekend lineup looks like:
| Film | Genre | Target Audience | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wuthering Heights | Romantic Drama | Couples, Literature Fans | High |
| Solo Mío | Comedy | Kevin James Fans | Medium |
| GOAT | Animated Sports Comedy | Families | Medium |
| Crime 101 | Action Thriller | Action Fans | High |
| Cold Storage | Thriller | Horror/Thriller Fans | Low |
The real competition comes from “Crime 101” featuring Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry, which appeals to action movie fans, and the various family-friendly options available. However, none of these directly target the romantic date-night crowd that Wuthering Heights is clearly capturing.
Key factors working in the film’s favor include:
- Perfect Valentine’s Day timing for a romantic drama
- Jacob Elordi’s massive social media following and recent popularity
- Margot Robbie’s proven box office draw
- Emerald Fennell’s growing reputation as a filmmaker
- Strong source material with built-in audience recognition
“The timing couldn’t be better,” explains industry veteran Tom Richardson. “You’ve got President’s Day Monday creating a three-day weekend, Valentine’s Day bringing out couples, and a cast that appeals to multiple demographics.”
What These Numbers Mean for Everyone Involved
The strong Wuthering Heights box office start isn’t just good news for Warner Bros – it has ripple effects throughout the entire entertainment industry. For Jacob Elordi, this could cement his transition from Netflix heartthrob to legitimate movie star. His previous film work has been more limited, so a major box office success would open doors to bigger projects and higher paychecks.
Margot Robbie continues to prove she’s one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood right now. After “Barbie” became a cultural phenomenon, every studio wants to work with her, and strong numbers here just reinforce her value.
But perhaps the biggest winner is director Emerald Fennell. “She’s establishing herself as a filmmaker who can deliver both critical acclaim and commercial success,” notes film critic Rachel Martinez. “That’s a rare combination in today’s market.”
For moviegoers, strong opening numbers often translate to better theatrical experiences. Theaters invest more in presentation and marketing for successful films, and studios are more likely to support wide releases rather than pulling films quickly.
The success also sends a message to other studios about what audiences want. Period romantic dramas aren’t always considered sure bets, but when done right with the right cast, they can clearly find their audience.
Theater owners are particularly excited because Valentine’s Day weekend historically brings out casual moviegoers who might not visit cinemas regularly. “These are the customers we want to convert into regular attendees,” says AMC regional manager David Park.
The Bigger Picture for Hollywood Romance
The Wuthering Heights box office success comes at a time when Hollywood has been questioning whether romantic films can still draw big audiences. Streaming services have captured much of the romantic drama market, leaving theaters wondering if date night movies are a thing of the past.
These early numbers suggest that reports of romance’s death in theaters have been greatly exaggerated. “People still want to share emotional experiences together in a communal setting,” explains UCLA film professor Dr. Lisa Chen. “The theater experience amplifies the romance both on screen and off.”
The film’s success could encourage other studios to greenlight similar projects. Literary adaptations, in particular, have been risky investments lately, but Wuthering Heights proves there’s still appetite for classic stories when presented with modern filmmaking techniques and contemporary stars.
For the broader Valentine’s Day movie tradition, this represents a return to form. The holiday weekend has historically been huge for romantic releases, but recent years have seen action movies and comedies dominate instead.
FAQs
How much did Wuthering Heights make in preview screenings?
The film earned $3 million during Thursday night preview screenings across 3,000 theaters nationwide.
What are the projected opening weekend numbers for Wuthering Heights?
Industry analysts predict an opening weekend between $40-50 million based on advance ticket sales of $14 million.
Who stars in the new Wuthering Heights adaptation?
The film stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, directed by Emerald Fennell.
How does this compare to Emerald Fennell’s previous films?
This is significantly larger than her previous releases – “Saltburn” made around $315,000-322,000 in its opening weekend from just seven theaters, while “Promising Young Woman” earned $719,305 in its pandemic-affected 2020 debut.
What other movies is Wuthering Heights competing against this weekend?
The film faces competition from “Solo Mío” starring Kevin James, animated film “GOAT,” “Crime 101” with Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry, and “Cold Storage” among others.
Why is Valentine’s Day weekend important for movie releases?
Valentine’s Day weekend traditionally brings out couples for date nights and creates a three-day weekend with President’s Day, making it a prime time for romantic films and other crowd-pleasers.
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