Universal’s bid at counter-programming appears to have paid off. Not only is the romantic comedyTicket to Paradiseholding well at the domestic box office, but the film is also quietly posting impressive numbers worldwide. StarringJulia RobertsandGeorge Clooneyas a warring divorced couple who are forced to reunite for their daughter’s sudden wedding,Ticket to Paradisehas passed the $90 million mark in overseas markets.
The film is currently playing in 78 international territories, and actually began its global rollout a couple of weeks before its domestic debut last month, alongside the superhero filmBlack Adam. With $46.7 million at the domestic box office, the film has made nearly $140 million globally, against a reported budget of $60 million.
This is a win not only for the romantic comedy genre, which has all but moved entirely to streaming in recent years, but also for movies targeted at older crowds. Last year was particularly disappointing for adult-skewing dramas;Steven Spielberg’sWest Side StorytoRidley Scott’sThe Last Duelwere some of the more notorious bombs. The sole outlier was Scott’s other film,House of Gucci, which made over $150 million worldwide against a reported $75 million budget, thanks mostly toLady Gaga’s buzzy central performance and a salacious premise. The success of directorBaz Luhrmann’sElvisandJoseph Kosinski’sTop Gun: Maverickearlier this year suggested that older audiences were finally ready to head out to theaters.
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Ticket to Paradisehas surpassed the lifetime business ofHouse of GucciandThe Lost City(minus Russia). The latter film is perhaps the closest comparable title, considering that it also targeted a similar demographic and was based on an old-fashioned “peril in paradise” premise. StarringSandra Bullock,Channing Tatum, andBrad Pittin a highly publicized extended cameo,The Lost Citytapped out with $105 million stateside and $190 million worldwide, against a similar budget.
Reviews forTicket to Paradisehave been mixed. Collider’s ownEmma Kielywrote inher C- review, “Ticket to Paradise, if anything, is an example of the importance of star power and how sometimes a lousy script can be swept aside for two old friends taking center stage once again.”
The film is produced by Roberts,Lisa Roberts Gillan,andMarisa Yeres Gillwith Red Om Films, Clooney and Oscar winnerGrant Heslovfor Smokehouse Pictures, andTim Bevan,Eric Fellner,Sarah Harvey,andDeborah Balderstone. Directed byOl Parker, who is best known forMamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the film also starsKaitlyn Dever,Billie Lourd,Maxime BouttierandLucas Bravo. you’re able to watch our interview with Parker here, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
