Ahead of its highly-anticipated debut on cinema screens later this month, Jon Davis’ beloved lasagna-loving cat, Garfield, is already satisfying appetites at the overseas box office. The Garfield Movie, a collaborative effort between Sony Pictures and Alcon Entertainment, has garnered a commendable $22 million from 18 international markets during its limited release phase. This impressive figure accounts for just 35% of its intended global rollout, setting the stage for a promising theatrical run.
Notably, Garfield’s overseas performance has already outpaced similar family animated releases, including DC League of Super Pets by a staggering 76%, and Puss in Boot: The Last Wish by 41%. Additionally, it finds itself in close competition with The Secret Life of Pets 2, indicating a strong reception from international audiences.
Among its top-performing territories during this initial phase are Mexico, where it amassed $8.4 million over six days, Spain with $3.2 million in five days, marking the biggest animated opening since The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, Brazil with $2.2 million, Italy with $1.6 million, and Peru with $1.3 million.
In related animation box-office news, Kung Fu Panda 4, produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures, continues to demonstrate its global appeal by adding another $7.7 million to its international earnings, bringing its cumulative overseas revenue to $331.7 million and its worldwide total to $520 million. This latest installment has now surpassed the overseas box office performances of Kung Fu Panda 3, Illumination’s Sing 2, and Blue Sky’s Ice Age: Collision Course.
Directed by animation veteran Mark Dindal, known for his work on Cats Don’t Dance, The Emperor’s New Groove, and Chicken Little, the Garfield Movie promises a delightful adventure as it follows the pampered indoor cat Garfield, voiced by Chris Pratt, and his sidekick Odie, voiced by Harvey Guillén, on a thrilling outdoor escapade alongside Garfield’s long-lost father, Vic, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, in a high-stakes heist.
The star-studded voice cast also includes Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, and Snoop Dogg, ensuring an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.