The animated film Minions and Monsters had a disappointing opening weekend in the U.S., grossing just $36 million on the July 4th holiday. In contrast, the indie film Young Washington from Angel Studios has received positive attention. This news was reported on July 6, 2026, by Variety as it explored the contrasting box office performances.
Minions and Monsters' Lackluster Performance
Despite strong international earnings, Minions and Monsters has recorded the lowest opening weekend for the Despicable Me franchise. This comes as a surprise given the film's popularity in overseas markets, where it has already performed well. The U.S. audience seemed less enthusiastic, resulting in a muted response during a typically lucrative holiday weekend.
The film's performance has raised concerns among industry analysts, particularly as it failed to meet expectations set by previous entries in the franchise. Variety reported that the film's debut was significantly lower than anticipated, prompting discussions about changing audience preferences.
Young Washington's Success at the Box Office
In stark contrast, Young Washington has impressed critics and audiences alike. The film has been praised for its storytelling and character development, leading to a successful run at the box office. Angel Studios has capitalized on the positive reviews, positioning the film as a strong contender in the indie market.
