Even as it declines to a slim 21% from its opening frame, the science fiction film of Ridley Scott's 'The Martian,' had no problems holding the top spot at the UK box office. After 12 days, the 'The Martian' has reaped an impressive £13.21m.
The Martian's apt comparison might be director Christopher Nolan's 2014 epic science fiction film Interstellar, in which the American actor and filmmaker - Matt Damon, peculiarly also portrayed the role of an astronaut stranded on a distant planet. However, Interstellar went down 29% on its second weekend, by which time the film had grossed £12.13m. Interstellar then fell hard and fast, with consecutive drops of 50%, 39%, 47% and 65% placed forward for consideration. The movie quickly burned through its audience after the initial rush of the fans of the English-American film director - Christopher Nolan.
Interstellar film's fate may yet befall The Martian, but it seems like it's not going to happen. One good sign of The Martian film, is that it appears to be playing to the younger moviegoers contrary to what was expected.
And 20th Century Fox, as the film's distributor, has the same opinion that "this seems very much in line with what we are hearing and how the film is playing - throughout the day, to young and old, teens and adults, men and women alike". 20th Century Fox is hoping for a strong half-term hold, despite having to compete with other titles.
In addition, director Ridley Scott's biggest hit in the UK remains the epic historical drama film - Gladiator, with £31.2m. However, The Martian has a long way to go to compete with Gladiator, but it should soon push, to muscle out Robin Hood with £15.6m and then catch up with Hannibal that has £21.6m.
20th Century Fox would presumably be delighted for The Martian to reach as far as Prometheus, which gained £25m.
