Yet another female-led film is “opening above expectations at the domestic box office.” Strong reviews helped “Girls Trip” draw big numbers this weekend. “Even during a crowded weekend,” the Universal pic about four longtime friends who travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival “is breaking the curse of underperforming R-rated comedies this summer as it looks to post $30.4 million from 2,591 locations,” Variety reports. “That’s the largest opening of any live-action comedy so far this year.”
Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish, and Jada Pinkett Smith star in the film.
“Funny is funny. And it’s a really funny movie,” said Universal’s President of Domestic Distribution Nick Carpou, who, according to Variety, “pointed out that the $30 million number is an increasingly rare achievement for pure comedies.” He added, “Our four leads are excellent. If they make you laugh you’re likely to tell your friends. That’s what’s happening here,” he observed.
“Girls Trip” is quickly on its way to becoming the highest-grossing domestic film about women of color this year. Right now that distinction belongs to “Everything, Everything,” an adaptation of Nicola Yoon’s YA novel directed by Stella Meghie. The Amandla Stenberg-starrer grossed over $34 million at the domestic box office, a number “Girls Trip” will almost certainly exceed within the week.
The success of “Girls Trip” is the latest example proving — yet again — that women-centric films aren’t anathema at the box office (and inclusivity sells). The two highest-earners at this year’s domestic box office are female-led films: “Beauty and the Beast,” starring Emma Watson, and Gal Gadot-starrer “Wonder Woman.” The former took in over $504 million and the latter has grossed more than $389 million so far and is still going strong.
