The 2024 box office hasn’t offered much to cheer about. Earnings are lower than ever, audiences seem uninterested in the blockbuster hits they once adored, and even successful franchises are struggling, with viewers thinking, “Why bother when it’ll be on streaming in two days?” However, there’s a glimmer of hope, at least for “Furiosa,” which has set a new record within its franchise.
From “Mad Max” to “Furiosa”
Since “Mad Max” first hit the screens in 1979, the five movies in the series have seen varying levels of box office success, from the $52 million haul of “Beyond Thunderdome” to the $415 million brought in by “Fury Road.” Yet, despite this success, none of the films in the series had ever debuted at number one in the United States—until now.
“Mad Max” couldn’t surpass “The China Syndrome” upon release, its sequel was outperformed by “Conan the Barbarian,” “Porky’s,” and “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid” back in 1982 (although it did snag the top spot the following weekend). The third installment faced stiff competition from “Back to the Future” in 1985, and even “Fury Road” couldn’t dethrone “Pitch Perfect 2.” In contrast, “Furiosa” is the first in the franchise to open at number one in the US box office, beating out “Garfield.” It seems every cloud has a silver lining, doesn’t it?
The Future of the Franchise
Of course, this achievement doesn’t guarantee George Miller the green light for a sixth installment in the franchise, especially given the financial challenges in merely recouping its costs. It’s a shame, but when you think about it, having five “Mad Max” films is a miracle in itself, isn’t it?