Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love Exceeds Expectations with $46.2 Million Opening
Paramount’s latest release, Bob Marley: One Love, has taken the box office by storm since its opening on Valentine’s Day. With a glowing A CinemaScore and early estimates showing a six-day domestic opening of $46.2 million, this musical biopic has surpassed all expectations.
The film, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, tells the story of the iconic Jamaican musician and Rastafarian, Bob Marley. Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir, it focuses on Marley’s journey during the making of his 1977 album Exodus and the events that followed, including an assassination attempt and his belief in the healing power of music for his nation in the post-colonial era. Produced by Marley’s children Ziggy and Cedella, as well as his wife Rita, the film offers an intimate look into the life of the reggae legend.
From its opening day, Bob Marley: One Love shattered records, earning a remarkable $14 million from 3,536 theaters. This makes it the highest-grossing midweek opener ever for Valentine’s Day, surpassing the previous record set by 2012’s The Vow. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film continued to attract audiences, earning an additional $3.9 million on Thursday and bringing its two-day domestic total to $17.9 million.
What sets Bob Marley: One Love apart is its diverse audience. According to PostTrak, Black moviegoers accounted for 40 percent of Friday ticket buyers, followed by Latinos (25 percent), Caucasians (23 percent), Asians (5 percent), and Native Americans/Others (7 percent). Additionally, females made up 56 percent of the audience, highlighting the broad appeal of Marley’s music and story.
In contrast, Sony’s Madame Web, featuring a Marvel character but not considered part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, struggled to make an impact at the box office. Early estimates suggest a six-day opening of $24 million, making it one of the lowest openings for a film featuring a Marvel character. Despite its female-fronted storyline, females accounted for only 44 percent of ticket buyers on Friday.
Traditionally, superhero films would be the safe bet for box office success. However, with recent setbacks for both DC and Marvel Studios, the landscape has changed. Sony, which holds the rights to some of Marvel’s Spider-Man universe characters, including Venom and Morbius, is now exploring different avenues. Madame Web’s underwhelming performance highlights the evolving tastes of moviegoers.
As the long Presidents Day weekend continues, it remains to be seen how Bob Marley: One Love will fare in the coming days. With its impressive opening and positive audience reception, the film has the potential to become a box office hit. Updated numbers will be released on Sunday morning, providing a clearer picture of its success.
In a time when music and storytelling have the power to unite people from all walks of life, Bob Marley: One Love stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of music’s greatest icons. Through its captivating narrative and powerful performances, the film reminds us of the universal language of music and the impact one artist can have on the world.