DreamWorks keeps raking in the cash withPuss in Boots: The Last Wishas the new year gets into full swing. In this first week of 2023, the beloved sequel has now crossed $200 million at the global box office, becoming one of the animation studio’s biggest films yet and one of the best-performing animation films since the pandemic began. Thanks to a number of factors, including the fact thatlast weekend’s box officewas hampered amidst New Year’s celebrations, and school vacations were still ongoing, the film benefited from a strong overall hold, seeing a minimal drop in performance from last week.
Over the weekend,The Last Wishbecame one of just ten animated films to cross the $100 million mark internationally in the pandemic era. It currently sits with an overseas mark of $112 million, surpassing Disney’sLightyearin the process. This lands the film as the eighth highest-grossing MPA animation in the pandemic era and the third highest-grossing of DreamWorks' catalog, falling behindThe Bad GuysandTheCroods: A New Age. Worldwide, those two films are also the only films ahead ofThe Last Wish, but at $250.4 and $216 million respectively, both are within striking distance ofAntonio Banderas’s orange feline.
Moreover,The Last Wishadded six new markets this weekend including Brazil, Korea, and Poland, giving it a further financial boost. At this point in its life cycle, it’s ahead of the massively popularSing 2without factoring in China, and it even passed the lifetime gross of the Illumination sequel in 12 markets. For DreamWorks, it’s a testament to both the enduring popularity of the extendedShrekfranchise and the excellent word-of-mouth praise the film has received since its release. The marketing campaign certainly did wonders as well,including a stoponSean Evans' popular YouTube interview showHot Ones.
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Puss in Boots: The Last WishIs a Major Win for DreamWorks
The Last Wishsees the adventurous Puss in Boots on his last life after years of swashbuckling and derring-do. to defy death and gain back the lives he lost, he goes on the adventure of a lifetime to find the titular Last Wish with the help of old and new friends alike. Banderas is rejoined bySalma Hayekwho reprises her role as Kitty Softpaws while newcomerHarvey Guillénco-stars as the optimistic dog Perrito. Rounding out the star-studded cast areFlorence Pugh,Olivia Colman,Ray Winstone,Samson Kayo,John Mulaney,Wagner Moura,Da’Vine Joy Randolph, andAnthony Mendez.
The love for Puss in Boots' return has been near-universal with a critic score of 96% and an audience score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.Nate Richardgave the film an A- in his review for Collider, saying “It is not only one of the best animated films of the year, but it’s one of DreamWorks' best, and one that will strike a chord with moviegoers of all ages. It’s equal parts exciting and hilarious as well as earnest, it never feels like it is talking down to anyone.”
Puss in Boots: The Last Wishis still in theaters for anyone who hasn’t yet seen the feline’s beloved new adventure. Check out the trailer below.
