Angel Studios’ film Sound of Freedom made an impressive opening on July 4, earning $11.6 million, coming close to Disney’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. It’s important to note that Sound of Freedom played in 2,000 fewer theaters than Dial of Destiny, making its performance even more remarkable. Additionally, the film sold $14.2 million worth of tickets as part of its “pay it forward” program, where moviegoers purchase tickets for others, further enhancing its success.
Sound of Freedom’s achievement becomes even more significant when compared to recent independent films. It outgrossed the entire domestic runs of movies like “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “TAR,” and “Women Talking.” Its earnings nearly doubled that of the current independent hit “Past Lives,” highlighting its exceptional performance.
The film stars Jim Caviezel and Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino. Caviezel portrays real-life hero Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent who dedicated himself to rescuing children from drug cartels and sex traffickers in Latin America.
What makes this box office story even more remarkable is the journey Sound of Freedom had to endure. Produced in 2018, the movie’s distribution rights were acquired by 20th Century Fox. However, after Disney acquired Fox, the film was shelved. It took the producers years to regain the distribution rights from Disney. Angel Studios, known for the global success of The Chosen, acquired Sound of Freedom in 2023, making it likely the most profitable independent film of the year.
The reasons behind Disney’s decision to abandon the movie become apparent when considering the company’s shift under CEO Bob Iger. The current morally corrupted Disney has distanced itself from anything Christian and likely didn’t want to be associated with a film condemning child sex trafficking. Furthermore, in the political climate of 2019, Iger, who expressed aspirations to run for president as a Democrat, wouldn’t want to be associated with a film that appealed to conservative audiences.
While Disney has released a series of money-losing flops, Sound of Freedom is projected to make a substantial profit, estimated to gross between $20 to $28 million. This success is a testament to Angel Studios’ ability to earn audience trust and goodwill, which Disney has lost over the years. People are recognizing Angel Studios as a brand that provides the content they desire, with Sound of Freedom even receiving an exceptional A+ rating from CinemaScore.
Sound of Freedom’s triumph over Disney’s Dial of Destiny is a reminder that justice prevails. Disney’s shareholders may not be pleased with their company’s performance, while Angel Studios continues to gain momentum and appreciation. This achievement underscores the stark contrast between the values of the two studios, with Sound of Freedom proudly opposing evil and Disney’s questionable practices.
