South Africa’s box office: Wonder Woman wows watchers

When the country is given the choice between a semi-naked group of lifesavers and Diana Prince kicking ass and taking names, you’ll be glad to know it chooses correctly. This weekend saw Wonder Woman’s (review) debut go swimmingly, coming out on top against other newcomer Baywatch, hardly flailing in second place. But which films could barely keep themselves afloat this weekend? (2 to 4 June)

King Arthur seems to be made of lead: it sunk four spots from fourth to eighth this week. The blockbuster is considered the first major bomb of the season and has failed to make back Guy Ritchie’s budget.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge sunk two spots this week, too, after just one week at the top. Despite showing in Imax, 3D and 4DX, the franchise is finally understanding that it can’t CGI itself any younger. Franchise fatigue is coming.

Wonder Woman debuts at number one, but Pirates’ latest chapter slips to third

Also pushed down two places is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 at fourth in its fifth week on the chart. The Marvel sequel has pulled in US$816-million and has already passed the original by over US$100-million. In behind it is Fate of the Furious, cruising along in its seventh week in the top 10. F8 is still the number one life-to-date grosser on the list, pulling in just under R72-million.

Alien: Covenant fell the second-furthest this week and saw itself clinging to tenth. Though the film has done poorly in South Africa, it has managed to pull in a profit thanks to the likes of the US, UK and France.

Finally, Beauty and the Beast (review) is still treading water in the top 10, sitting at seventh after seven weeks on the chart. The classic remake has brought in more than US$1.2-billion globally for Disney.

Here are ten most-watched movies in SA this past weekend:

1. Wonder Woman (Incl. 3D & Imax)
2. Baywatch
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (Incl. 3D, IMAX & 4DX)
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Incl. 3D, Imax & 4DX)
5. Fast and Furious 8 (Incl. Imax & 4DX)
6. Ozzy
7. Beauty and the Beast (Incl. 3D, Imax & 4DX)
8. King Arthur (Incl. 3D)
9. Unforgettable
   
10. Alien: Covenant (Incl. IMAX)

The above list was provided by Ster Kinekor Entertainment.