The animated adventure opened to $12.8 million in North America, landing fifth and far behind its summer rivals, prompting concerns over its profit outlook.
DreamWorks Animation’s newest release, Forgotten Island, opened on September 25 and managed a $12.8 million haul in its first three days across the United States. That figure placed the film at the fifth spot in the domestic box‑office chart, well under the earnings of recent animated blockbusters such as The Wild Robot and Elemental.
The opening day alone brought in $4.4 million, followed by $4.9 million on Saturday and $3.5 million on Sunday. Those numbers sit comfortably below the $35‑plus million marks posted by the summer’s bigger titles, signalling a lukewarm reception despite solid critic scores on aggregate sites.
Overseas performance
The film’s overseas rollout is staggered, with only a handful of markets reporting by the end of the second weekend. International earnings totalled $5.6 million, pushing the cumulative overseas total to $7.8 million across 34 territories. Several key regions, including India and parts of Europe, have yet to release the picture, leaving the global picture incomplete.
Adding the North American and overseas figures together, Forgotten Island posted a $20.6 million global opening. With a production budget reported at $80 million – marketing costs excluded – the film faces a steep climb to break even. Industry observers note that the gap between the opening haul and the budget is wider than DreamWorks typically tolerates.
What the numbers mean for DreamWorks
The under‑performance raises questions about the studio’s current slate. While the movie enjoys decent audience‑generated buzz online, word‑of‑mouth alone hasn’t translated into ticket sales. Analysts suggest that the film’s premise – two friends stranded on a mystical world where escape could erase their memories – may not have resonated with mainstream families looking for more familiar fare.
The modest start also puts pressure on the studio’s upcoming releases. With the holiday season looming, DreamWorks will likely lean on its proven franchises to shore up revenue, while Forgotten Island may need an extended theatrical run or an aggressive streaming push to recoup costs.
Looking ahead
The next few weeks will be decisive. If the film can capture additional markets and sustain attendance, it might narrow the deficit. Otherwise, the studio could consider an early digital debut, a strategy that has helped similar titles recover lost ground.
For now, Forgotten Island remains a cautionary tale about the volatility of the animated market, even for a studio with DreamWorks’ pedigree. Audiences will decide whether the movie can climb out of its rocky start, but the odds are stacked against a quick turnaround.
Stay tuned for updates on the film’s performance as more territories report their numbers.
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