While Marvel’s Thunderbolts* has been making headlines by leading the domestic box office for the second consecutive weekend, an indie comedy is quietly making waves of its own. The film, titled Friendship, achieved the highest debut for a limited release this year, raking in over $451,000 within its initial three days of screening across just six theaters in New York and Los Angeles. This remarkable performance translates to an astounding per-theater average of $75,000, significantly overshadowing the Thunderbolts* per-theater average of $7,600 for the same weekend. Clearly, Friendship is capturing audience attention and setting new benchmarks in film distribution.

Friendship features Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson in captivating lead roles. The film made its debut at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, where it garnered excellent reviews from critics and audiences alike. As it gears up for a wider release in the coming weeks, it is poised to become a crowd favorite and a significant player in the comedy genre. Robinson portrays a suburban father on a quest to forge a new adult friendship, which leads him to his charming neighbor, played by Rudd. The evolution of their friendship complicates their lives in unexpected ways, making it a relatable narrative for many. Fans of Rudd’s cult classic I Love You, Man will likely appreciate his return to a similar comedic style that resonates deeply with audiences.

Rudd’s recent work includes his role in A24’s Death of a Unicorn, which, despite featuring talents like Jenna Ortega, struggled at the box office, grossing only $16 million worldwide against a budget of $15 million. In contrast, he enjoyed a massive success last year with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which earned over $200 million globally from a $100 million budget. Additionally, Rudd is set to reprise his beloved role as Ant-Man in the highly anticipated film Avengers: Doomsday, currently in production. Meanwhile, Robinson is recognized for his unique brand of cringe comedy, having developed a dedicated following through his work on Saturday Night Live and the Netflix series I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.

Celebrated Reception: ‘Friendship’ Earns Rave Reviews

The film received an overwhelmingly positive reaction during its festival run in Toronto, currently boasting an impressive “fresh” score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Collider’s Ross Bonaime praised it as “one of the most hilarious comedies to emerge in quite some time.” He speculated that Friendship could become a cult classic, highlighting its potential to attract a dedicated audience that will cherish and quote it for years to come. The film is directed by the talented Andrew DeYoung and features performances from Kate Mara and Jack Dylan Grazer. With its wide release scheduled for May 23, audiences can expect to hear more about this promising film. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest updates regarding its journey.