Pixar's "The Last Dragon" has earned $145 million domestically in its opening weekend, shattering the previous record for animated films and becoming the highest-grossing animated opening in history. The film, which features a star-studded voice cast including Awkwafina and John Boyega, received universal acclaim.
The film follows a young warrior in a fantastical world inspired by Asian mythology as she embarks on a quest to restore balance to her kingdom. The $180 million production features groundbreaking animation techniques that have drawn praise from critics and audiences alike.
"Animation has truly arrived as a medium for telling epic, universal stories," said Pixar President Jim Morris. "The response from audiences around the world has been overwhelming, and we are thrilled that families have embraced this film."
The film's commercial success has sparked debate about the future of theatrical animation versus streaming releases. "The Last Dragon proves that when you deliver exceptional quality, audiences will come to theaters," said box office analyst David A. Gross.
International markets contributed $180 million to the global opening, with particularly strong performance in China, Japan, and South Korea. The film is expected to remain in theaters for several months as it builds toward its eventual streaming release.