NEW YORK – Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated self-financed epic, “Megalopolis,” faced disappointment at the box office, while the heartwarming DreamWorks Animation film, “Wild Robot,” soared to the top spot over the weekend.

Director Chris Sanders’ adaptation of Peter Brown’s bestseller, “Wild Robot,” exceeded expectations by raking in $35 million in ticket sales across theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The film tells the touching tale of a shipwrecked robot raising an orphaned gosling, resonating with audiences and critics alike. With an outstanding A CinemaScore, “Wild Robot” is poised for a successful run after its impressive debut.

On the flip side, Coppola’s long-awaited “Megalopolis,” a grand Roman epic set in contemporary New York, fell short with a meager $4 million opening weekend. Despite the visionary director’s personal investment of $120 million, the film failed to capture the hearts of moviegoers, earning a disappointing D+ CinemaScore.

Undeterred by the financial outcome, Coppola remained steadfast in his artistic vision for “Megalopolis,” emphasizing the importance of creativity over monetary gain. The film’s unique storyline, featuring a stellar cast including Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Aubrey Plaza, received mixed reviews post its Cannes premiere.

Despite its lukewarm reception, “Megalopolis” stands as a testament to Coppola’s unwavering commitment to his craft, staying true to his creative instincts above all else.

Other films making waves at the box office include the enduring success of Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” sequel and the Transformers prequel, “Transformers One,” featuring Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry. Additionally, Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night,” a homage to the iconic sketch-comedy institution, gained traction with a strong debut in select theaters.

The weekend box office landscape continues to evolve with a diverse array of offerings for audiences to enjoy, promising an exciting lineup of cinematic experiences in the weeks ahead.