Keegan-Michael Key, from left, Olivia Colman, Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Calah Lane and director Paul King pose for portrait to promote the film "Wonka" on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023 in London.Photo by Scott Garfitt/Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP

'Wonka' waltzes to $39 million opening, propelled by Chalamet's starring role

by · National Post

NEW YORK (AP) — “Wonka” debuted with $39 million in box office sales in U.S. and Canadian theaters over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. That made it a strong start for the Timothee Chalamet -starring Willy Wonka musical that underscored the young star’s draw.

Musicals have been tough sells in theaters in recent years, so much so that Warner Bros. downplayed the song and dance elements of “Wonka” in trailers. Instead, the studio emphasized Chalamet, the 27-year-old actor who, with “Wonka,” notched his second No. 1 movie following 2021’s “Dune.” The earlier film recorded a $41 million opening.