Wonka's Box Office Success: An Overview of its Revenue

The international debut of Wonka has been highly anticipated, but how has it fared at the box office? Here are all the details.

From the same creators as Paddington, the prequel to Willy Wonka's story has arrived, chronicling how the iconic chocolatier built his legendary factory.

Timothée Chalamet and Olivia Colman star in the movie, which has surpassed initial expectations and received overwhelmingly positive reviews after its previews. Now that the movie has been released internationally, let's take a look at its box office earnings. Here's everything you need to know.

How much has Wonka made at the box office?

The Paul King-directed prequel Wonka has had an incredibly successful weekend at the international box office but has struggled to replicate the same numbers in China.

Variety reported that the movie Wonka earned an impressive $43.2 million during its opening weekend, making it the top-grossing film internationally. While it has already been released in countries like the UK, the prequel has not yet premiered in North America - that is scheduled for December 15. Wonka has debuted in 37 markets so far, including Spain, Germany, Mexico, and Japan. In the UK, it earned $11.1 million in its opening, marking the studio's second-biggest debut of the year after Barbie.

Despite its success in many regions, Wonka has faced challenges in China, where it only earned $3.2 million, in line with other movies during the pandemic. In our four-star review, we noted that while the film excels in portraying the chocolatier's story as one of unfiltered joy, it falls short in addressing stereotyping concerns and underhand humor.

Children who have been repeatedly traumatized by being forced to watch Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory by their parents, or by Johnny Depp's portrayal of the character, will find Wonka to be the perfect opportunity to heal, find joy, and experience the magic once again. Universal's animated film Migration, which opened in 18 markets with a $6.5 million earning, is Wonka's primary competitor at the box office. It also struggled in China, bringing in only about $1 million.

Ridley Scott's Napoleon continues to rise in the box office, with earnings of $16.1 million from 64 markets. Its global total has now reached $170.8 million.

The premiere of Wonka in US theaters is set for December 15th. For more of Dexerto's TV and movie coverage, click here.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory movie, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Wonka, the prequel that chronicles the iconic chocolatier's journey to building his legendary factory. The international box office success of Wonka is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Willy Wonka story and the talent of Timothée Chalamet, who brings a fresh and captivating energy to the role. The overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike further solidify Wonka's status as a must-see film for fans of all ages.

While the film's success in many regions is undoubtedly impressive, the challenges it faced in China are a reminder of the complexities of the global film market. The cultural nuances and preferences of different audiences can significantly impact a film's reception, and it is essential for filmmakers to consider these factors when crafting their stories. Despite these challenges, Wonka's strong performance in other markets demonstrates its universal appeal and the enduring power of the Willy Wonka franchise.