Star Wars Spinoff Tops Memorial Day

Key Points:

• Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” earned $100 million domestically over the Memorial Day weekend, slightly below estimates, with a global debut of $163 million including $63 million internationally.
• The film marks the first “Star Wars” theatrical release in seven years and is seen as a test of the franchise’s cinematic appeal beyond its strong Disney+ streaming presence.
• Comparisons to 2018’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story” show similar opening numbers, but “The Mandalorian and Grogu” had a lower production budget ($165 million vs. $300 million) and better critical reception, suggesting potential for stronger box office longevity.
• Focus Features’ horror film “Obsession” saw an unusual 39% box office increase in its second weekend, grossing $23.9 million over the weekend and $30.3 million through Monday, making it one of the most profitable films of the year given its sub-$1 million budget.
• Paramount’s thriller “Passenger” and Neon’s crime comedy “I Love Boosters” opened outside the top five, with $10.5 million and $4.7 million respectively, receiving mixed reviews and moderate audience scores.