DreamWorks' Critically Adored Forgotten Island Stumbles in Its Box Office Debut
Despite glowing reviews, the animated film "Forgotten Island" had a rough start at the box office, per /Film. The movie earned an estimated $12.8 million in North America and an additional $7.8 million internationally over its opening weekend, placing it fifth overall.
That $20.6 million global launch is a major disappointment, especially given the film's reported $80 million budget. This puts the DreamWorks project in a deep financial hole right out of the gate.
The story follows two childhood friends enjoying a final night together before one moves away. Their celebration takes a turn when they discover a portal to Nakali, a mythical island filled with creatures from Filipino folklore.
Universal Pictures would need the film to gross roughly ten times its opening to approach hit status. While other Universal animated films like "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" and "Migration" famously rebounded from soft starts, they were December releases, which tend to have longer box office legs.
"Forgotten Island" launched in September, a far less forgiving month for theatrical runs. Its struggle continues a recent trend of original animated films, including Pixar's "Elio" and Disney's "Strange World," failing to draw big crowds despite critical praise.
