Paramount Pictures’ biopic on Bob Marley, titled ‘One Love,’ surpassed projections by claiming the top spot at the box office, earning an impressive $27.7 million during its opening weekend
In a surprising turn, Paramount Pictures’ biographical film on Bob Marley, titled “Bob Marley: One Love,” exceeded expectations by debuting at the top spot in the box office with an impressive $27.7 million opening weekend. Conversely, Sony’s “Madame Web” failed to capture audience interest, marking one of the weakest openings for a Marvel character-centered movie.
Both films hit theaters on Valentine’s Day, aiming to attract romantic moviegoers, but it was “One Love” that emerged as the preferred choice despite facing predominantly negative reviews. Paramount had initially projected a six-day total closer to $30 million for “One Love,” but the actual turnout surpassed expectations, drawing viewers from various age groups, with the 18 to 24 demographic comprising the largest segment.
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and produced with the involvement of the Marley estate, “One Love” explores pivotal moments in Bob Marley’s life, particularly during the creation of his iconic 1977 album “Exodus” and a significant concert in Jamaica. Despite criticism for adhering to biopic conventions, the film received an “A” CinemaScore from audiences, indicating strong potential for its theatrical run.
On the other hand, “Madame Web” struggled to gain traction, with Sony estimating a disappointing $15.2 million weekend and a six-day total of $25.8 million. The film, part of Sony’s Spider-Man universe, failed to overcome negative pre-release buzz, despite featuring Dakota Johnson as a New York paramedic with clairvoyant abilities.
The underperformance of “Madame Web” adds to the challenges facing Hollywood in 2024, with overall ticket sales down 15% compared to the previous year. However, anticipation remains high for upcoming releases like “Dune: Part Two,” set to hit theaters on March 1. Until then, “Bob Marley: One Love” continues to lead the box office charts, offering a musical journey into the life of a reggae legend.
