Mortal Kombat II Takes a Swing at the Box Office, But The Devil Wears Prada 2 is Unstoppable
Mortal Kombat II has made a splash at the box office, raking in $40 million from domestic audiences and an additional $23 million internationally, which brings its global opening weekend total to a surprising $63 million. Starring the charismatic Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, the film has enjoyed a solid reception in North America, although it’s yet to hit some significant international territories.
The sequel is on track to surpass its predecessor, which grossed $84.4 million worldwide. However, when you consider that the original Mortal Kombat was released during pandemic restrictions alongside HBO Max, it seems like it had a tougher road to travel. With a production budget of $80 million, Mortal Kombat II still has some climbing to do before it can turn a profit, but there’s good news: Warner Bros is already in the works for a third installment, which fans are eagerly anticipating.
Currently, Mortal Kombat II holds a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and IGN has rated it a solid 8/10. They noted, “The standards for video game movie sequels are low, but this one not only meets them, it also adds some flair.”
However, despite its promising start, Mortal Kombat II faces stiff competition from the reigning box office champ, The Devil Wears Prada 2. This stylish sequel has continued to dominate, earning an impressive $118.8 million in its second weekend, bringing its global total to a staggering $433.2 million, with $144.8 million from domestic viewers and $288.4 million internationally. It remains the top-ranked film both in the U.S. and worldwide.
IGN reviewed The Devil Wears Prada 2 and gave it a 7/10, describing it as a delightful return to the glamorous world of New York fashion. However, they noted that fans expecting the exact same characters from the first movie might find it a bit different.
In the meantime, the biopic Michael continues to draw in crowds, earning $95 million this weekend alone and reaching a total of $577.3 million globally. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is also doing remarkably well, sitting at $941.2 million. The question remains whether it will cross the $1 billion mark, a feat its predecessor achieved with ease. Regardless, Mario’s film legacy seems set for more sequels and spinoffs in the future.
Lastly, Project Hail Mary is still going strong, collecting another $9.8 million during its eighth weekend, pushing its worldwide earnings to $655.7 million after Amazon extended its theatrical run. The film’s success has sparked discussions about a potential sequel. Author Andy Weir has hinted at having ideas for follow-ups but is waiting for the right concept to develop.
In the world of cinema, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of excitement, whether it’s from video game adaptations or beloved franchises making their mark at the box office.