Soul sets box office record despite pandemic restrictions

Despite being released only seven weeks ago, the animated caper about the adventure of two souls in New York’s Queens, has managed to gross a total of $96.2 million in foreign markets. The bulk of this amount came from China, where the movie crossed $55.8 million, making it the second-highest grossing movie animated movie in the country, second only to Pixar’s very own Incredibles 2. Soul was released on Disney+, the entertainment megalith’s streaming service in most global territories.

The Chinese record comes despite there being 50% occupation restrictions in many cities including the capital Beijing. Preparations for the Lunar New Year also seem to have not dampened the audience’s enthusiasm for new fare.

Soul also managed to jump to number 1 at the Russian and South Korean box offices, from where it garnered $6.9 million. It is now the third-highest grossing Pixar release in Russian territories.

The movie, released on the traditionally tough Christmas weekend, has impressed both critics and audiences alike, offering realistic portrayals of African American culture and the world of Jazz in Queens’ bars.