Godzilla Minus Zero projected to earn $60 million worldwide in opening weekend

Gkids' distribution of Toho's sequel Godzilla Minus Zero is forecast to bring in roughly $60 million worldwide in its opening weekend, combining an estimated $25-$30 million from the United States and Canada with more than $30 million from 23 overseas territories. The film follows the three-headed monster King Ghidorah as it attacks post-World War II Japan and allies with Godzilla.

In Japan, the movie posted a $5.7 million (¥910 million) first-day gross, attracting over 590,000 viewers and setting a record for a live-action title, according to Toho. Industry analysts expect the Japanese market to contribute a total of about ¥10 billion ($63 million) by the end of its run.

The domestic rollout in the United States and Canada includes 3,250 theaters, with screenings in all IMAX auditoriums and premium large formats. The R-rated picture was produced for IMAX and carries a marketing budget of under $10 million. It holds an 89 percent certified-fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The opening faces competition from the Indian epic Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, which is projected to earn between $30 million and $75 million worldwide. The two-part film is reported to have cost $420 million-$500 million, making it the most expensive Indian production to date.

By comparison, Godzilla Minus One opened to $11.4 million in its first weekend in December 2023 and ultimately earned $113.9 million globally. The new installment aims to surpass that performance.

Other releases this week include Warner Bros. Pictures Animation's The Cat in the Hat, expected to generate around $20 million domestically, and Angel Studios' Drummer Boy, which is projected to earn mid-single-digit millions.