Theater counts: Dune narrowly holds off Kung Fu Panda to remain widest release

March 7, 2024

After a successful opening week at the worldwide box office, Dune: Part Two adds three locations this week, once again taking the top spot on our theater count chart by playing in 4,074 theaters. Domestically, the sequel scored $82.5 million during its opening weekend and passed the $100-million mark on Wednesday, clocking with with a six-day domestic total of $104.62 million. The film’s opening weekend figure doubled that of its predecessor’s $41 million. This week will pose a much bigger challenge however as three new wide releases make their debut on the big screen.

Following closely behind Dune: Part Two on the theater count chart is another sequel, this one from the popular Kung Fu Panda franchise with the release of Kung Fu Panda 4. Kicking off its theatrical run in 4,035 cinemas, the martial arts comedy follows Po as he searches for his new successor after becoming the Spiritial Leader of the Valley of Peace, while fighting a new enemy known as “The Chameleon”. In its three previous films, the franchise as collected an impressive $1.82 billion in worldwide box office. Po is voiced by Jack Black, while a plethora of big names lend their voices to the film including Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston and Viola Davis.

Also opening new this week is the latest from Angel Studios in the biographical feature, Cabrini. Available in 2,840 movie houses, the film tells the story of Francesca Cabrini, the first American saint of the Catholic Church, highlighting her devotion and determination to serve those marginalized and in need.

Making its way into theaters this week is the Jeff Wadlow-directed Imaginary. The horror movie follows a woman named Jessica who, after moving back into her childhood home with her family, finds that her daughter has developed an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear she found. As her daughter’s behavior becomes more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize the bear is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be. Imaginary is set to release in 3,118 venues.

Per usual there is a long list of limited releases arriving to North American cinemas this weekend. Available in 200 locations is the Chinese comedy film, YOLO. The film has performed very well in its native country so far with earnings of $478 million. Also opening in limited release this week is the comedy, Accidental Texan. Playing in 134 cinemas, the film is based on the 1999 novel “Chocolate Lizards” by Cole Thompson and stars Thomas Haden Church, Rudy Pankow, Carrie-Ann Moss, and Bruce Dern.

Looking ahead to next week we see three new wide releases join the above films in theaters. Opening in approximately 2,800 theaters is Mark Wahlberg’s true story adventure film, Arthur the King. The movie charts the unbreakable bond between a pro adventure racer and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Also newly to theaters next week is the satirical comedy, The American Society of Magical Negroes. That film is expected to arrive in approximately 1,000 sites.

Theater Counts for March 8

Estimates for March 15

Filed under: Theater Counts, Kung Fu Panda, Dune, Dustin Hoffman, Mark Wahlberg, Jack Black, Thomas Haden Church, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, Bruce Dern, Carrie Anne Moss, Jeff Wadlow, Rudy Pankow