Venom: The Last Dance Breaks Records with Huge Opening in China

“Venom: The Last Dance” has taken China by storm, achieving the second-largest opening weekend for a Hollywood film this year. This thrilling installment of the “Venom” trilogy earned RMB221 million ($31.1 million) over the traditional Friday-to-Sunday weekend, according to Artisan Gateway. Including its early Wednesday release, the film’s five-day total soared to $45.9 million.

A Record-Breaking Launch

Local data indicates that “Venom: The Last Dance” topped the box office charts every day of its release, peaking on Saturday with over $14 million from around 150,000 screenings. Imax also played a significant role, contributing $6 million, which represents about 14% of the film’s total earnings in China.

This blockbuster is now behind only “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” which had a three-day debut of $44.6 million in March. “Venom: The Last Dance” opened bigger than “Alien: Romulus,” which secured $26.2 million and ultimately grossed over $100 million in China. Notably, it achieved the largest opening for a Hollywood superhero film in China since “Spider-Man: Far From Home” in 2019.

Audience Reactions and Cultural Significance

In recent years, many Hollywood films have struggled to connect with Chinese audiences, but “Venom: The Last Dance” has broken the mold. Critics have praised the film for its deeper emotional narrative compared to its predecessors, and social media buzz highlights the appeal of its anti-hero character.

Comparing the Trilogy

The first film, “Venom,” grossed an astonishing $262 million in China during its release in late 2018, outpacing its North American total. The sequel, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” was slated for a Chinese release but was ultimately sidelined due to COVID restrictions.

What’s Next at the Box Office

Taking second place over the weekend was “The Unseen Sister,” a gripping suspense-drama that earned RMB71.2 million ($10 million) in just two days. Directed by Midi Z, this film features actress Zhao Liying and is set to make its international debut at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Other Weekend Highlights
“The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death,” a patriotic war film, claimed third place with $4.6 million over its fourth weekend, totaling $161 million since its release on September 30.
The re-release of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” earned $4.1 million during its opening weekend.
“Look Back,” a Japanese animation film, opened in fifth place, bringing in $4 million and showcasing the friendship between two girls united by their love of manga.
Conclusion

“Venom: The Last Dance” is not just a box office success; it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of Hollywood in China. With its record-breaking performance and emotional depth, it’s clear why audiences are flocking to theaters. As the film continues to draw in viewers, it sets a new standard for what international cinema can achieve in the Chinese market.