‘Moon Man’ $130 Million Opening Puts China Box Office in New Orbit

variety.com:

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefSci-fi-comedy “Moon Man” rocketed to a $130 million opening weekend and helped the China box office to escape gravity.Data from consultancy Artisan Gateway showed that the film scored a three-day gross of RMB873 million ($130 million) and accounted for fully 90% of the nationwide weekend theatrical business.

The strong results came despite some cinemas remaining closed in key markets and capacity limitations remaining in place in others. “Moon Man” tells the story of “the last human in the universe” as an astronaut finds himself stranded on the moon after an asteroid wipes out life on earth.It is directed by Zhang Chiyu, who previously directed 2017 sports comedy hit “Never Say Die.” It was produced by Mahua FunAge, a consistently successful comedy production firm with credits including “Hello Mrs Money” and Goodby Mr Loser,” alongside Alibaba Pictures.Imax reported that the film earned $6.4 million (including previews) from its theaters in China, making Imax China’s biggest summer three-day opening weekend since September 2019.

It also said that Imax theatres accounted for 16 out of the top 20 highest grossing theaters nationwide.One of the most anticipated Chinese blockbusters of the year, more than 1.4 million movie fans rated “Moon Man” as a “want to see” on China’s online ticking platforms prior to its release.

The film has won outstanding feedback from audiences with a score of 9.4 and 9.5 on Maoyan and Taopiaopiao, respectively. “We are very encouraged by the stellar opening of ‘Moon Man,’ which offers a clear sign that audiences are eager to return to theaters for the IMAX Experience,” said Edwin Tan, CEO of IMAX China.