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Minions & Monsters Posts Franchise‑Low U.S. Opening Despite Strong Reviews

International receipts will decide if the film reaches profitability given modest production costs.

Overview

  • Minions & Monsters, which opened Wednesday, July 1, earned $14.2 million on its first domestic day and is tracking to a five-day U.S. opening of roughly $64–65 million, the weakest debut in the Despicable Me/Minions franchise.
  • Critics have embraced the film, with Rotten Tomatoes scores near 90–91%, and audiences gave it an A‑ CinemaScore, signaling strong reviews that have not translated into a big U.S. turnout.
  • Early overseas rollout pushed global receipts into the tens of millions, with Deadline reporting about $62.6 million after two days and China opening-day estimates near $4.6–4.7 million, improving the film’s early worldwide total.
  • Analysts point to a midweek (Wednesday) launch, close timing to Pixar’s Toy Story 5, holiday weekend distractions and competing releases like Young Washington as factors that likely softened U.S. attendance.
  • With reported production costs commonly cited around $75–85 million before marketing, the film can still be profitable if it holds well overseas, but next weekends and expansion into more territories will determine its final commercial pulse.