A Blockbuster Weekend That Redefined Franchise Fortunes

The Dragon That Keeps Burning Bright

Universal’s live-action reimagining of “How to Train Your Dragon” has become the standout hit of the early summer season, defying expectations by holding onto the No. 1 position for two weeks straight. The film pulled in $37 million during its sophomore weekend, bringing its global total to an impressive $358.2 million. This success is particularly significant given the six-year gap since the last installment in the DreamWorks Animation series, which originally debuted in 2010. The live-action adaptation not only honored the source material but also introduced fresh elements that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers. Studio executives wasted no time greenlighting a sequel, signaling confidence in the franchise’s ability to continue drawing crowds despite the increasingly competitive landscape of tentpole films.

With a production budget estimated at $150 million, the film represents a major financial gamble for Universal. However, its sustained performance suggests that audiences remain hungry for emotionally driven fantasy epics, especially those with built-in brand recognition. The decision to reimagine a beloved animated property rather than simply reboot it speaks to a broader industry trend: leveraging nostalgia without relying solely on it. By blending practical effects with CGI enhancements and focusing on character-driven storytelling, the film managed to differentiate itself from other remakes that have struggled to find traction at the box office. The upcoming sequel will face heightened pressure to build on this momentum, potentially expanding the world further or deepening the mythology established in the first film.

Pixar’s Uncharacteristically Weak Launch

For a studio known for consistently delivering blockbuster hits, Pixar’s latest release, “Elio,” marked a surprising underperformance. The sci-fi adventure, which tells the story of a boy who dreams of meeting aliens, opened with just $21 million in North America — the lowest debut in Pixar’s history. Internationally, the film fared little better, grossing only $14 million across 43 markets. These numbers stand in stark contrast to the company’s usual track record, where even modestly performing titles tend to outperform most competitors. Industry analysts were quick to note that while these figures might be acceptable for an original animated film from a lesser-known studio, they fall well below Pixar’s typically sky-high standards.

“This is a weak opening for a new Pixar movie,” said David A. Gross, founder of FranchiseRe, a film consulting firm. “These would be solid numbers for another original animation film, but this is Pixar, and by Pixar’s remarkable standard, the opening is well below average.” The underwhelming debut raises questions about whether the film’s marketing effectively communicated its core appeal or if shifting consumer preferences played a role in the muted reception. “Elio” had already undergone significant behind-the-scenes changes before its release, including a director switch mid-production. Adrian Molina, best known for co-directing “Coco,” was replaced by Domee Shi (“Turning Red”) and Madeline Sharafian, leading to substantial retooling of the story and characters. Some planned elements, such as America Ferrera’s announced role as Elio’s mother, were ultimately cut from the final version, potentially affecting narrative cohesion or emotional resonance.

Boyle’s Bloody Comeback and the Resurrection of a Cult Classic

Danny Boyle’s return to the zombie genre with “28 Years Later” proved to be a major win for Sony Pictures, as the long-awaited sequel launched with $30 million domestically and matched that figure overseas. The film, which cost $60 million to produce, picks up nearly three decades after the events of the original “28 Days Later” trilogy and follows a coming-of-age journey through a post-apocalyptic Britain overrun by rage-infected survivors. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, the film combines visceral action with emotional depth, earning critical praise (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) despite mixed audience reactions (a “B” CinemaScore).

For Boyle, this marks the highest-grossing opening weekend of his career, surpassing even the Oscar-winning success of “Slumdog Millionaire.” The filmmaker’s collaboration with screenwriter Alex Garland continues to yield compelling results, blending horror with social commentary in ways that feel both timely and timeless. The film’s success also underscores the enduring appeal of the zombie apocalypse subgenre, which has seen periodic resurgences since George A. Romero’s pioneering work in the 1960s. With plans already underway for a follow-up titled “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” directed by Nia DaCosta, Sony appears committed to building a new chapter in what has become one of cinema’s most iconic horror franchises.

Unlike traditional horror sequels that often struggle to recapture the magic of their predecessors, “28 Years Later” benefits from a generational shift in perspective. Centered around a 12-year-old protagonist (Alfie Williams), the film explores themes of isolation, resilience, and identity against the backdrop of a crumbling society. This youthful lens offers a fresh take on survival narratives, appealing to younger viewers while still catering to older fans of the original films. The international box office strength — particularly in European markets where Boyle’s work has historically performed well — indicates broad-based demand for intelligent, stylized horror that transcends typical genre tropes.

Franchise Fatigue or Fresh Beginnings?

As studios continue to rely heavily on established intellectual property to drive revenue, the recent box office results offer both cautionary tales and hopeful signs. While “How to Train Your Dragon” demonstrates that well-executed reimaginings can thrive, “Elio’s” soft launch highlights the risks associated with original content in an era dominated by sequels and spin-offs. At the same time, the unexpected success of “28 Years Later” proves that audiences remain receptive to returning franchises — provided they deliver something meaningful beyond nostalgia.

Disney’s own live-action strategy remains intact, with “Lilo & Stitch” continuing to perform steadily in its fifth weekend, grossing an additional $9.7 million and pushing its global earnings past $910 million. This longevity reinforces the viability of remaking classic animated titles, though it also raises concerns about creative stagnation within the studio system. The upcoming slate includes highly anticipated projects like Apple and Warner Bros.’ racing drama “F1” and Universal’s comedic thriller “Megan 2.0,” both of which could reshape the box office landscape in the coming weeks.

What Lies Ahead for Summer Cinema

Looking forward, the summer box office race promises to intensify as more high-profile releases enter the fray. With “Inside Out 2” having already shattered records earlier this year, Pixar faces mounting pressure to rebound creatively and financially. Meanwhile, Universal must ensure that “How to Train Your Dragon” maintains its upward trajectory ahead of its sequel announcement. Sony, buoyed by the success of “28 Years Later,” may look to expand its horror offerings while balancing riskier, more ambitious projects.

Independent films also have a chance to shine, as evidenced by A24’s “Materialists,” which held strong in its second weekend with $5.8 million. Directed by Celine Song and starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, the romantic drama has quietly amassed $24 million so far, proving that intimate storytelling still has a place in today’s blockbuster-driven marketplace. As studios juggle tentpoles with smaller, character-focused narratives, the key to success will likely lie in striking the right balance between spectacle and substance.