‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ Signals a Big Return for the U.S. Box Office

While cinemas in

New York have reopened this month at 25-percent capacity

and

Los Angeles independent cinemas are slowly emerging

, research from data experts NRG shows that the audience is ready, according to

The Hollywood Reporter

. 

More than 50 percent of U.S. audiences feel ready to return to cinemas, ranking significantly higher among the vaccinated.  

As the U.S. vaccine rate increases and infection rates drop, cinema's future looks promising, but the real trend hinting at the revival of U.S. cinema comes from China. 

According to Box Office Mojo, Warner Bros. and Legendary's "Godzilla vs. Kong" generated $70.3 million in China alone.  

After releasing in 38 territories, the total ticket sales of "Godzilla vs. Kong" broke pandemic records by reaching $121.8 million.  

China has dominated box office rankings and the massive success of Warner Bros.' "Godzilla

Variety)

.   

"Godzilla vs. Kong" shows us the box office has bounced back in China – the first region to tackle the pandemic – hinting at a significant return for US audiences as confidence grows.  

"Godzilla vs. Kong" is the blockbuster tent-pole picture to turn that confidence into ticket sales on March 31. 

However, Warner Bros. isn't stopping there, introducing a hybrid cinema experience that could shape the post-pandemic theatrical world.

After striking a deal with Cineworld to release movies both online and in cinemas, the domestic reach of HBO Max, the power of Cineworld and international theatrical releases is proving popular. 

HBO Max and Cineworld's next big release is "Mortal Kombat" (April 16) which has already broken records for the most-watched red band trailer in history. 

Here’s to a record-breaking year for movie-goers, studios and stars everywhere.