Godzilla crushes global box office with biggest debut of the year
Gareth Edwards' disaster movie took $196.2 million worldwide this weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Edwards’ Godzilla has opened with the biggest debut of the year, grossing $196.2 million at the global box office this weekend.
The hit blockbuster, a fresh take on the 1950s Japanese original, stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen and Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston.
It is the latest in a long run of movies and TV shows that have tried and often failed to reboot the dramatic tale of a gigantic radioactive monster threatening humanity’s existence.
The new movie is on course to smash the earnings of the 1998 remake, featuring Matthew Broderick, which took $379 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.
Despite recognition of Godzilla’s innate cheesiness, it has received positive reviews from most critics who have praised the film’s large scale and impressive visual effects.
Cranston plays a scientist who worked at the doomed Japanese nuclear plant 15 years ago. Juliette Binoche is cast as his wife, while Taylor-Johnson plays their bomb-defusing naval officer son Ford.
The storyline sees Godzilla come up against two massive beasts that come to life, set on causing widespread destruction.
But some Japanese fans have criticised Godzilla's size, calling the creature a "calories monster" and "too fat".
Following in Godzilla’s box office wake are The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which took $48.3 million, Zac Efron and Seth Rogen’s Bad Neighbours with $39.5 million, Rio 2 with $11.4 million and Million Dollar Arm with $10.9 million.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments