Theater counts: Kung Fu Panda dethrones Dune to become the new widest release

March 14, 2024

After spending its first two weeks as the widest release in North America, Dune: Part Two slips into the second place spot this week, dropping 227 locations, while still playing in a solid 3,847 cinemas. Taking its place this week is last week’s newcomer , Kung Fu Panda 4, which increases its viewing opportunities by adding 32 theaters for a total of 4,067 locations. The fourth installment in the Kung Fu Panda franchise diced up $58 million in its opening weekend, and currently enjoys a six-day domestic total of just over $73 million. This week both films will have to contend with a bevy of new films making their theatrical debuts.

Entering theaters for the first time is the Mark Wahlberg adventure film, Arthur the King. Starting out in 3,003 movie houses, the film is based on the true-life story of pro adventure racer Michael Light and a scrappy street dog named Arthur as the two are pushed to their limits when competing in the 435 mile Adventure Racing World Championships in the Dominican Republic. Simon Cellan Jones directs the story based on the book “Arthur: The Dog who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home”, by Mikael Lindnord.

Also opening in wide release this week is the satirical comedy feature, The American Society of Magical Negroes. Releasing in 1,147 locations, the movie follows a young man who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people’s lives easier. Kobi Libii makes his directorial debut.

Beginning its run in 983 cinemas is the British biographical film One Life. The film, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, is based on the true story of British humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton as he reminisces about his past efforts to help groups of Jewish children escape German-occupied 1930s Czechoslovakia. The film has taken in just short of $25 million from overseas showings after opening in multiple territories back in December, 2023.

Rounding out the top five this week are the two other newcomers from last week with Imaginary keeping its count of 3,118 theaters from its debut, while Cabrini tacks on 10 locations this week, showing in 2,850 theaters.

Looking ahead to next week we see the launch of the latest in the Ghostbusters franchise with the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. The sequel is expected to arrive in approximately 4,000 North American cinemas. Also opening wide next week is the Sydney Sweeney psychological horror Immaculate and the 2021 animated feature, Luca. We will update those counts as they become available.

Theater Counts for March 15

Estimates for March 22

Filed under: Theater Counts, Ghostbusters, Kung Fu Panda, Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Sydney Sweeney