“The Hunger Games” prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” achieves nearly $100M in global ticket sales within three days of release.
Lionsgate’s highly anticipated prequel to “The Hunger Games” franchise, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” has hit the ground running at the box office, raking in almost $100 million in worldwide sales in just three days since its release. While establishing itself as this weekend’s box office champion, the film falls short of reaching the monumental success achieved by the original trilogy, which amassed an impressive $3 billion globally.
Despite falling behind the original franchise’s earnings, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” has proved financially sound due to its relatively modest production budget of $100 million, compared to the larger budgets of its sequels. Industry analysts predict that the film will still be able to turn a profit for Lionsgate, even if it fails to match the massive success of its predecessor.
Critics have offered mixed reviews of the prequel, but audiences have displayed a greater level of enthusiasm thus far. The film’s reception will play a crucial role in determining the future plans for the “Hunger Games” series, particularly during the Thanksgiving period, as well as its performance in the international box office.
While the original films achieved equal popularity both in the United States and overseas, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” has seen a slightly stronger start in foreign territories. The film’s success is further bolstered by the underwhelming competition from other releases, such as Disney’s “The Marvels,” which has provided an opportunity for “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” to captivate and attract audiences.
Although positioned as a standalone film, Lionsgate has hinted at the possibility of delving further into the world of Panem in future installments. The studio’s decision will ultimately depend on the performance of the prequel, both during the Thanksgiving period and at the international box office.
In conclusion, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” has made an impressive debut, surpassing nearly $100 million in global ticket sales within a short span of three days. While it may not match the record-breaking success of the original franchise, the prequel is well-positioned to turn a profit for Lionsgate, especially with its less expensive production costs. The film’s performance during Thanksgiving and in international markets will heavily influence the studio’s decision regarding further exploration of the “Hunger Games” universe.
