Yahoo Lifestyle ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy’ Sets U.K. and Ireland Box Office Records With Historic Opening, ‘Captain America’ Takes Second Place
Universal’s “Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy” delivered a record-breaking debut at the U.K. and Ireland box office, grossing £12.3 million ($15.5 million) in its opening four-day weekend, according to Comscore. The highly anticipated fourth installment in the “Bridget Jones” franchise not only secured the biggest opening of the year but also made history as the highest-grossing romantic comedy debut ever in the region, surpassing the previous record set by “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.”
Universal reports that the U.K. and Ireland opening for “Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy” reached a phenomenal $14.9 million (£11.8 million) across 2,250 screens over its three-day weekend, outperforming “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed.” The film also claimed the title of the highest-ever opening for a Working Title production and landed as the 11th biggest Universal opening of all time in the market, ranking just behind “Jurassic World Dominion” and ahead of the opening weekends of “Oppenheimer,” “Minions” and “Despicable Me 3.”
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The romantic comedy accounted for a staggering 45% of all box office takings in the U.K. and Ireland on Saturday, demonstrating its dominance over the weekend. The film also far outpaced Disney’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” which opened in second place with $8 million. Meanwhile, boutique exhibitor Everyman recorded its largest-ever three-day opening, surpassing the record previously set by “No Time to Die.”
Universal’s animated film “Dog Man” fell to third place in its second weekend, earning $2.3 million for a cumulative total of $7.1 million. Paramount’s “Heart Eyes” debuted in fourth place with $895,867.
Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” took the fifth spot with $572,194 in its ninth weekend, pushing its total to $39 million. The prequel remains one of the top-grossing films of the season.
At No. 6, Disney’s “A Complete Unknown” added $445,505 in its fifth weekend, reaching $13.7 million. The Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet has proven to be a steady performer. “Sonic The Hedgehog 3” held onto seventh place with $299,600 in its eighth week, bringing its total to $31.6 million.
Yash Raj Films’ “Chhaava” opened in eighth place with $290,777, marking a strong debut for the Indian historical epic. Universal’s “The Brutalist” maintained its arthouse presence, earning $204,109 in its fourth weekend. The film has now grossed $3.7 million.
Rounding out the top 10, Paramount’s “September 5” brought in $195,654 in its second weekend, for a total of $1.4 million.
Kicking off upcoming releases on Thursday, Feb. 20, the National Theatre brings “Importance Of Being Earnest – NT Live 2025” to cinemas. This latest NT Live production offers audiences the chance to see Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy performed on the big screen, bringing its sharp wit and satirical humor to a wider audience.
On Friday, Feb. 21, horror fans can look forward to “The Monkey,” distributed by Black Bear. Directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Theo James, Adam Scott, and Elijah Wood, the film adapts Stephen King’s chilling short story into a full-length psychological horror experience. Playing in over 300 locations, the film is expected to draw genre enthusiasts with its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling.
Altitude Film Distribution presents “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles and starring Fernanda Torres and Selton Mello. This Brazilian political drama, screening in over 100 locations, is nominated for three Oscars including best actress, the category that Torres won at the Golden Globes.
Fans of arthouse cinema can look forward to Cannes-debuting tense family drama “September Says,” released by Mubi, directed by Ariane Labed and starring Mia Tharia and Rakhee Thakrar.
BFI Distribution brings “Picnic At Hanging Rock” (4K restoration) back to the big screen in a limited re-release. The Peter Weir-directed 1975 classic, starring Rachel Roberts and Dominic Guard, remains one of Australia’s most haunting and enigmatic films. Screening in some 25 locations, the newly restored edition gives cinephiles a rare chance to revisit this atmospheric mystery in pristine quality.
Documentary lovers have two new offerings this week. Dogwoof releases “I Am Martin Parr,” a documentary exploring the work and legacy of the famed British photographer known for his candid, often humorous takes on modern life. Also from Dogwoof, “Schmeichel” delves into the career and legacy of legendary Danish footballer Peter Schmeichel, offering insight into the life of one of the sport’s most celebrated goalkeepers.
Bollywood fans can look forward to “Mere Husband Ki Biwi,” presented by Bakrania Media. Headlined by Arjun Kapoor, the film’s mix of romance and comedy is expected to resonate with audiences looking for lighthearted entertainment.
A re-release of 2011 Bollywood Ranbir Kapoor starrer “Rockstar,” distributed by Moviegoers Entertainment, rounds out the week’s releases.
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