Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Battle After Battle” earned $48.5 million in its first week across U.S. and international markets. Among the director’s filmography, only “There Will Be Blood” posted stronger numbers.
Recall that the film’s total cost—including marketing—was $200 million. To be regarded as a commercial success, “Battle After Battle” needs to reach roughly $300 million at the box office. At that level, Warner Bros. would at least break even.
Critics have lauded the picture, but as is well known, critical acclaim alone doesn’t guarantee that audiences will rush to theaters.
