Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” debuted this weekend to $40 million, leading box office charts but still disappointing start, given the studio’s sterling track record for animated fare.
Internationally, the film brought in $28 million for a global tally of $68 million.
“Onward,” a fantastical adventure about two teenage elf brothers (voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) on a quest to spend one last day with their late father, ranks among Pixar’s lowest opening weekend’s in modern times, joining 2015’s “The Good Dinosaur” and its $39 million as a rare blemish for the Disney-owned company, known for producing hits such as “Inside Out,” Coco” and “Up.” Pixar films typically cost $175 million to $200 million to make, a huge sum that doesn’t include global marketing fees.
Directed by Dan Scanlon, “Onward” received mostly positive reviews, though not the rapturous reception that greets most Pixar titles.
Still, “Onward” looks to benefit in coming weeks as one of the few options for family audiences, especially with spring breaks starting soon.
It scored an “A-” CinemaScore, signaling that moviegoers enjoyed the film.