DreamWorks Animation’s latest release, The Wild Robot, has made a strong debut at the global box office. Released on October 10, 2024, the film is based on Peter Brown’s beloved children’s book of the same name and has captivated audiences with its heartfelt story and stunning visuals. Here’s an in-depth look at its budget, day 1 box office performance, and overall reception.
Budget of The Wild Robot
The production budget for The Wild Robot is estimated at $120 million. This hefty investment includes the costs of cutting-edge animation technology, a star-studded voice cast, and a robust marketing campaign. DreamWorks Animation, known for its high-quality family entertainment, has clearly spared no expense in bringing this animated adaptation to life.
Day 1 Box Office Collection Worldwide
On its opening day, The Wild Robot grossed an impressive $35 million in North America alone. This strong debut was driven by significant buzz from pre-release screenings, excellent early reviews, and the appeal of the film’s family-friendly narrative. Internationally, the film added another $18 million, bringing its first-day worldwide total to $53 million.
The movie opened in 3,982 theaters across the United States, with high audience turnout attributed to the lack of major family movie competition in theaters this month. Strong reviews and word of mouth contributed to the film’s robust box office numbers, and it’s expected to perform well over the coming weeks, especially in international markets that have yet to open
Plot Overview
The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz, an intelligent robot who becomes stranded on a remote island after a shipwreck. As Roz learns to navigate the wild, she bonds with the island’s animal inhabitants and takes on the responsibility of caring for an orphaned baby goose. This heartwarming tale of survival, friendship, and self-discovery explores themes of community, compassion, and environmental stewardship, making it a hit with both children and adults
Cast and Crew
The Wild Robot features an impressive voice cast, headlined by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o as Roz. Other notable names include:
- Pedro Pascal as Fink the fox,
- Catherine O’Hara as Pinktail the opossum,
- Bill Nighy as Longneck the goose, and
- Stephanie Hsu as Vontra, a fellow robot who interacts with Roz on the island.
The film was directed by Chris Sanders, known for his work on other animated classics like Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon. With such an experienced team behind it, The Wild Robot was well-positioned for success
Box Office Performance and Competition
The opening day success of The Wild Robot is notable in part due to its competition. Paramount’s Transformers One, another animated film, struggled to gain traction against The Wild Robot, dropping significantly in its second weekend. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ Beetlejuice 2 continues to perform well but could not match the momentum generated by DreamWorks’ latest offering
Given its strong critical reception (currently holding a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), The Wild Robot is expected to have a long run at the box office, especially with no major family films scheduled for release in the coming weeks
Weekend Projections
With a stellar day 1 performance, The Wild Robot is projected to gross $85-90 million globally by the end of its opening weekend. The film’s positive word of mouth and lack of direct competition in the family animation genre should help it maintain steady momentum in both domestic and international markets
Conclusion
The Wild Robot has proven to be a box office hit right out of the gate, bolstered by strong storytelling, breathtaking animation, and a talented voice cast. With its impressive first-day earnings and glowing reviews, the film is poised to be a major success for DreamWorks Animation. Fans of family-friendly films and animated features can expect The Wild Robot to dominate theaters in the coming weeks, offering a heartwarming and visually stunning adventure for audiences of all ages.
