In a surprising turn of events, Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, "The Boy & the Heron," has not only taken the North American box office by storm but also become the first original anime film to lead a weekend in the region. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film has earned a remarkable $12.8 million in North America, showcasing the growing popularity of Japanese films among international audiences.

"The Boy & the Heron," which had limited promotion and kept its storyline under wraps, has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. With a global box office total of $97 million, the film's success owes a significant portion to its staggering $56.1 million debut in Japan when it premiered in mid-July.

One contributing factor to the film's exceptional performance could be attributed to the absence of new releases during its opening weekend. With no major competition, moviegoers flocked to theaters to catch "The Boy & the Heron." This trend is not isolated to the film, as other Japanese productions, such as "Godzilla Minus One," have also shattered box office records for Japanese films in their respective genres.

Even a month after its release, "The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" continues to hold strong, firmly securing its position in second place. The highly anticipated sequel has amassed an impressive additional $9 or $10 million, bringing its global earnings to a massive $279 million. The film's success can be attributed to its strategic marketing campaign, as the cast began promoting the film a few weeks ahead of its release, effectively building anticipation among fans.

Looking ahead to the rest of December, moviegoers can anticipate more blockbuster releases. "Aquaman 2" and "Wonka" are set to hit theaters, with the latter generating positive word-of-mouth buzz. However, "Aquaman 2" finds itself burdened with high expectations, similar to its predecessor, which triumphed unexpectedly and became one of the biggest movies of 2018.

Additionally, Netflix plans to release Zack Snyder's "Rebel Moon" in theaters on December 15, followed by its digital release on the streaming platform shortly after.

As Japanese films continue to captivate audiences in North America, the success of "The Boy & the Heron" serves as a testament to the growing appreciation for international cinema. With record-breaking performances and an expanding market, it seems that the influence and appeal of Japanese films are on the rise.

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