The Flower Moon Box Office Plummets in Week 2 (Can It Recover its Budget?)

Summary

Killers of the Flower Moon has experienced a worrisome 61% drop at the box office in its second weekend, earning only $9 million.

The film, despite having A-list actors and being helmed by acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, still has a considerable distance to cover in order to turn a profit considering its massive $200 million production cost. Having earned only $88 million worldwide thus far, the movie's underwhelming performance has sparked worries regarding its financial viability.

The second week of Killers of the Flower Moon has seen a more concerning decline than expected. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese and based on David Grann's nonfiction book, tells the true story of the Osage nation murders in 1920s Oklahoma. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, the movie's box office performance has hit a setback. According to Variety, it earned $9 million in its second weekend, experiencing a notable drop of 61% from its $23.2 million opening weekend. Despite its global earnings reaching $88 million, the film still has a significant way to go to turn a profit, especially considering its $200 million production budget and additional publicity costs.

What Does the Future Have In Store For Killers of the Flower Moon?

The success of Killers of the Flower Moon surpassing Taylor Swift's blockbuster weekend at the box office was unexpected. Despite both films having lengthy runtimes, Taylor Swift's popularity as a pop superstar was never doubted. However, the release strategy for Killers of the Flower Moon aimed for a gradual recovery of its expensive production costs, which this sudden decline does not ensure.

The fate of the movie's finances ultimately depends on two uncertain factors. Firstly, the movie's chances of gaining buzz and recognition through awards. While Martin Scorsese's movies are typically considered for Oscars, his recent movie, The Irishman, did not win any of its 10 nominations. This lack of success could potentially be a negative sign for Killers. Additionally, the movie's success may hinge on its availability for streaming. However, it will be streamed on Apple TV+ instead of larger platforms like Netflix, which has a more reliable track record of hits.

Furthermore, Killers of the Flower Moon will face tough competition at the box office from other highly acclaimed movies. Sofia Coppola's Priscilla will be released on November 3, followed by the wide opening of The Holdovers, starring Paul Giamatti, the following weekend. This presents cinema-goers with more options, potentially impacting Killers' performance. While Killers may still succeed if any of these factors work in its favor, only time will tell.

Source: Variety