Bob Marley: One Love” Reigns Supreme in North America and Makes Waves Worldwide

Amidst a relatively quiet February at the box office, Paramount Pictures has injected a burst of energy with the release of the music biopic “Bob Marley: One Love.”

Debuting on Valentine’s Day, February 14, the film has made a significant impact both domestically and internationally, raking in an estimated $45.6 million over five days in North America, coupled with $29.0 million from 47 international markets. The cumulative total amounts to an impressive $74.6 million debut.

“Bob Marley: One Love” claimed the top spot in North America and held its own internationally, excluding China, where local titles, released in anticipation of the New Year holiday, continued to dominate. Nevertheless, the film’s performance overseas was noteworthy, with the UK/Ireland leading the charge at an estimated $9.3 million, followed by France ($5.5 million), Australia ($2.0 million), and Germany and Brazil (both $1.8 million).

Across 13 international markets, including Marley’s homeland of Jamaica, where it achieved a record-setting $280,000 debut, the film commanded an impressive 90% market share. Notably, in the UK/Ireland and several other territories, “Bob Marley: One Love” secured the second-highest opening for a music biopic, trailing only “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Comparatively, the film’s $74.6 million worldwide opening surpasses the $50.5 million debut of “Elvis” in June 2022. While “Elvis” boasted a similar footprint to “Bob Marley,” it had the advantage of three days of takings in many key territories. Warner Bros’ “Elvis” went on to achieve a lifetime total of $288.7 million, a mark Paramount aims to match or exceed. However, the reigning champion of music biopics remains “Bohemian Rhapsody,” with a staggering $910.8 million in global box office receipts.

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”), “Bob Marley: One Love” stars Kingsley Ben-Adir (“One Night In Miami”) and chronicles the final five years of the reggae icon’s life, including his time living in London. With its compelling narrative and stellar performances, the film promises to resonate with audiences worldwide, continuing Marley’s legacy for generations to come.