The Legend of Tarzan (film)

At the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, King Leopold II of Belgium claims the Congo Basin. Five years later, after accruing massive debts in exploiting the resources of the Congo Free State, Leopold sends his envoy Léon Rom to secure the fabled diamonds of Opar. The expedition is massacred by warriors led by Chief Mbonga, who offers Rom diamonds in exchange for Tarzan.

The man once called "Tarzan", The Rt Hon. John Clayton, Earl of Greystoke, has left Africa for his estate in Britain with his American wife Jane. John's parents survived a shipwreck only to die in Africa, where their child, as a baby, was adopted by the Mangani, a race of apes.

John is offered an invitation from Leopold to visit Boma. The Prime Minister and American envoy George Washington Williams explain that Leopold is defaulting on his loans, and a visit from John – whose exploits as Tarzan made him a celebrity – would secure Britain's influence in the Congo. John, however, refuses and leaves the meeting. George later approaches John, reveals his suspicions that Leopold is sanctioning slavery and persuades John to accompany him to the Congo as a credible witness to discover the truth.

John, Jane, and George journey to the Congo, circumventing Rom and his corrupt financier Mr. Frum, and are welcomed by the Kuba village of Clayton and Jane's youth. Rom and his men arrive during the night and capture the villagers, killing Chief Muviro, taking John prisoner, and taking the Chief's son Wasimbu along with other young men to serve as porters. George rescues John, but Jane and the captive villagers are taken aboard Rom's steamship. Rom turns out to have arranged John's invitation from Leopold to deliver him to Mbonga.

Pursuing the steamship, John, George, and the village's remaining warriors seize a train carrying mostly Belgian soldiers and enslaved Congolese. An engineer informs them of Rom's plan to take over the Congo, sanctioned by Leopold: using slave labor, Rom has built forts across the region, linked by railway and river travel, for an army of 20,000 mercenaries soon to arrive. With Leopold bankrupt, Rom needs Opar's diamonds to pay for the army.

Finding documents that will expose Leopold, John and George leave the proof with the Kuba warriors and rescued enslaved people to deliver to Boma. They continue on through Mangani territory. Confronted by the Mangani, John is forced to fight his foster brother Akut, now the alpha male. John loses and is left injured, but he and George are permitted to travel on by Akut.

Jane and Wasimbu escape the steamship and flee into the jungle. Jane sends Wasimbu off to rally the other tribes, knowing that Rom's men will follow her. Jane encounters the Mangani, and Rom's men open fire on them. John arrives, saving some Mangani, including Akut, and pursues Rom, who takes Jane to Mbonga's tribe to collect the diamonds. Years before, Mbonga's son killed John's foster mother Kala. Enraged, John killed him to avenge her. Mbonga attacks John, who wins the fight but spares the chief. George and the Mangani then arrive to stop the fighting, and the two foreigners convince Mbonga that Rom is their common enemy.

Rom takes Jane and the diamonds to Boma, where the mercenary army approaches shore. John and George send a stampede of wildebeest through the town, overrunning Rom's men, as the Kuba warriors arrive by train and free their families. John rescues Jane and pursues Rom, who prepares to deliver the diamonds to Frum and the mercenaries. George sinks the steamship, while Rom attempts to strangle John with his rosary.

Using a mating call to summon crocodiles, John breaks free and leaves Rom to be devoured. As the vessel's boiler explodes, John escapes. Frum and the fleet of mercenaries depart. George returns to London and presents the prime minister with an open letter to Leopold exposing the slavery and abuses of the Congolese people.

One year later, John and Jane have relocated to Africa. They celebrate the birth of their son, and John returns to his rightful place among the great apes as Tarzan.

• Alexander Skarsgård as John Clayton III, 5th Earl of Greystoke / Tarzan. On his character Tarzan, Skarsgård said, "This is about a man who's holding back; and slowly, as you peel off the layers, he reverts back to a more animalistic state and lets that side of his personality out."{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2015/12/08/legend-of-tarzan-movie-sneak-peek-exclusive/76932268/|title=Sneak peek: 'Tarzan' puts a twist on a legend|first=Brian|last=Truitt|work=USA Today|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=December 9, 2015}} To get in Tarzan shape, Skarsgård spent 4 months in a training regimen before filming started and gained 24 pounds. Part of his training was for movement work with choreographer Wayne McGregor.{{cite web|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/06/26/movies/alexander-skarsgard-of-sound-mind-and-body-to-play-tarzan.html|title=Alexander Skarsgard, of Sound Mind and Body to Play Tarzan|first=Kurt|last=Iswarienko|work=New York Times|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/articles/how-alexander-skarsgard-got-tarzan-fit-w210732|title=How Alexander Skarsgard Got 'Tarzan' Fit|date=21 June 2016}}
• Rory J. Saper as 18-year-old Tarzan
• Christian Stevens as 5-year-old Tarzan
• Christoph Waltz as Captain Léon Rom, an iron-fisted and greedy Belgian official sent by King Leopold II of Belgium to find diamonds and control the region.
• Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams, an American entrepreneur and veteran of the Indian Wars who becomes an ally to Tarzan.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/samuel-l-jackson-confirmed-for-tarzan-reboot-but-who-will-he-play-warlord-or-sidekick|title=Samuel L. Jackson Confirmed For Tarzan Reboot. But Who Will He Play? Warlord Or Sidekick?|first=Tambay A.|last=Obenson|date=February 11, 2014|publisher=Indiewire.com|access-date=September 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015044059/http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/samuel-l-jackson-confirmed-for-tarzan-reboot-but-who-will-he-play-warlord-or-sidekick|archive-date=October 15, 2014|url-status=dead}}
• Margot Robbie as Jane Clayton, Countess of Greystoke, née Porter, Tarzan's feisty and devoted wife.
• Ella Purnell as Young Jane Porter body double (uncredited)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0918940/characters/nm3480246/
• Djimon Hounsou as Chief Mbonga, the leader of the leopard men of Opar (an African tribe that controls the diamond region), who wants revenge against Tarzan for the death of his son.
• Jim Broadbent as The 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, the British Prime Minister.
• Casper Crump as Major Kerckhover, Rom's violent first lieutenant
• Ben Chaplin as Captain Moulle
• Hadley Fraser as John Clayton II, 4th Earl of Greystoke (Tarzan's father)
• Genevieve O'Reilly as Alice Clayton, Countess of Greystoke (Tarzan's mother)
• Yule Masiteng as Muviro, the chieftain of the Kuba people
• Mimi Ndiweni as Eshe
• Simon Russell Beale as Mr. Frum{{cite tweet|author=Roger Evans|user=rogergevans|number=500325875523792896|title=An amazing day on Tarzan with @CliveBrunt @AlexKFerns and Simon Russell Beale. Gonna be brilliant. What a gent David Yates is.|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=September 24, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.starnow.co.uk/listing/594078|title=Warner Bros 'Tarzan' Casting Roles|publisher=StarNow.co.uk|access-date=September 24, 2014}}

An updated version of Tarzan had been in the works since at least 2003, with John August writing{{cite news|last=Dunkley|first=Cathy|title=August ape for 'Tarzan'|url=https://variety.com/2003/film/news/august-ape-for-tarzan-1117888576/|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=26 June 2003}} followed by John Collee in 2006{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/me-troubled-tarzan-as-scot-finds-beast-in-jungle-hero-1-1418286|title = Comment: Property investment – and private banking's role}} with Guillermo del Toro slated to direct. Del Toro dropped out to work on The HobbitGuillermo del Toro's unrealized projects#Tarzan{{better source needed|date=April 2021}} and by 2008, it was reported that a different version of Tarzan, co-written by Stephen Sommers and Stuart Beatle, that was said to resemble the Pirates of the Caribbean series, was in development.{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Sommers in talks to direct 'Tarzan'|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/news/sommers-in-talks-to-direct-tarzan-1117991480/|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=2 September 2008}}{{cite news|last=Spines|first=Christine|title=Tarzan preps big-screen return, 'Pirates of the Caribbean' style|url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2008/12/03/tarzan-born-aga/|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Entertainment Weekly|date=3 December 2008}} By 2011, Craig Brewer, who also rewrote a version of the script, was set to direct the film,{{cite news|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Craig Brewer set to direct 'Tarzan'|url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/craig-brewer-set-to-direct-tarzan-1118037950/|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=2 June 2011}} although this did not come to pass. Instead, David Yates was chosen to direct in 2012.{{cite news|last=Brodesser-Akner|first=Claude|title=David Yates Committing to Tarzan at Warner Bros.|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/11/david-yates-committing-to-tarzan-at-warner-bros.html|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Vulture|date=7 November 2012}} Other directors in the running included Susanna White and Gary Ross.{{cite news|last=Han|first=Angie|title=David Yates, Gary Ross, and Susanna White Circling One of Warner Bros.' 'Tarzan' Movies|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/david-yates-gary-ross-susanna-white-circling-warner-bros-tarzan-movies/|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=/Film|date=18 June 2012}} In April 2013, it was reported that the production was temporarily suspended due to budgetary concerns.{{cite news|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title='Tarzan' Dying On The Vine At Warner Bros?|url=https://deadline.com/2013/04/tarzan-dying-on-the-vine-at-warner-bros-472081/|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Deadline Hollywood|date=10 April 2013}}

For a while, producer Jerry Weintraub wanted swimmer Michael Phelps to play the title role, feeling that he was the heir apparent to Johnny Weissmuller, the actor who had famously played Tarzan, and who was also a prominent competitive swimmer. Weintraub reportedly changed his mind after watching Phelps host Saturday Night Live, for only two minutes.{{cite web|last1=Harkness|first1=Ryan|title=Michael Phelps Was a Frontrunner to Play Tarzan — Until He Hosted 'Saturday Night Live'|url=https://www.yahoo.com/movies/michael-phelps-was-a-frontrunner-to-play-tarzan-204734332.html|website=Yahoo Movies|date=6 July 2016 |publisher=Uprox|access-date=9 July 2016}} Other early contenders for the role included Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Charlie Hunnam.{{cite news|last=Brodesser-Akner|first=Claude|title=David Yates Committing to Tarzan at Warner Bros.|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/11/david-yates-committing-to-tarzan-at-warner-bros.html|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=Vulture|date=7 November 2012}} On November 14, 2012, Alexander Skarsgård was cast in the title role, the choice of director Yates, while Samuel L. Jackson was being eyed to play Williams in the film.{{cite news|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=Alexander Skarsgard swings into 'Tarzan' frontrunner|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/alexander-skarsgard-swings-into-tarzan-frontrunner-1118062211/|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=14 November 2012}} Yates found Skarsgård to be the perfect Tarzan. He liked that he was born in Sweden but had found a career in America, so "he has this wonderful quality of not quite belonging to one or the other", he said. On March 6, 2013, it was reported that Yates wanted Jessica Chastain to play Jane Porter.{{cite news|last=Lussier|first=Germain|title=David Yates Wants Jessica Chastain For 'Tarzan'|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/david-yates-wants-jessica-chastain-for-tarzan/|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=/Film|date=6 March 2013}} On September 26, 2013, Christoph Waltz was in talks to play the villain in the film; he was later cast, as Captain Rom.{{cite news|last=Kit|first=Borys|title=Christoph Waltz in Talks to Play the Villain in 'Tarzan'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/christoph-waltz-talks-tarzan-637398|access-date=9 March 2014|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|date=26 September 2013}}

The studio eyed Margot Robbie and Emma Stone to play the female lead character, Jane Porter.{{cite news|last=Kroll|first=Justin|title=Samuel L. Jackson in Talks for 'Tarzan' at Warner Bros.|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/samuel-l-jackson-tarzan-warner-bros-1200941990/|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Variety|date=11 December 2013}} Emma Watson, Sarah Bolger, Georgina Haig, Lucy Hale, Lyndsy Fonseca, Eleanor Tomlinson, Gabriella Wilde, Lucy Boynton and Cressida Bonas were all considered for the part. On January 18, 2014, Robbie was cast in the film, opposite Skarsgård, beating Stone for the role.{{cite news|last1=Sneider|first1=Jeff|title='Wolf of Wall Street' Star Margot Robbie in Talks for 'Tarzan' – She's Jane|url=https://www.thewrap.com/margot-robbie-to-star-in-tarzan|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=TheWrap|date=18 January 2014}} On June 4, Djimon Hounsou was set to play Chief Mbonga in the film.{{cite news|last1=Fleming|first1=Mike Jr.|title=Djimon Hounsou Joins 'Tarzan'|url=https://www.deadline.com/2014/06/djimon-hounsou-joins-tarzan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606053708/http://www.deadline.com/2014/06/djimon-hounsou-joins-tarzan/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2014|access-date=6 June 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=4 June 2014}} On June 17, Osy Ikhile was added to the cast to play a supporting role, but the character was not then named.{{cite web|last1=Sneider|first1=Jeff|title='In the Heart of the Sea' Actor Osy Ikhile Joins Djimon Hounsou in 'Tarzan'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/osy-ikhile-joins-djimon-hounsou-in-david-yates-tarzan/|access-date=22 June 2014|website=TheWrap|date=17 June 2014}} Casper Crump was cast to play Captain Kerchover.{{cite news|last1=Orange|first1=B. Alan|title=First Look at Margot Robbie as Jane in 'Tarzan'|url=http://movieweb.com/tarzan-movie-photos-margot-robbie-jane/|access-date=August 5, 2015|work=MovieWeb|date=August 30, 2014}} The release of the first trailer in December 2015 revealed that Jim Broadbent was also part of the cast.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

Principal photography on the film commenced on June 30, 2014, at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, England.{{cite news|last1=Gallagher|first1=Brian|title=Warner Bros. Expands Leavesden Studios as 'Tarzan' Begins Production|url=http://www.movieweb.com/news/warner-bros-expands-leavesden-studios-as-tarzan-begins-production|access-date=July 2, 2014|work=MovieWeb|date=June 30, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192455/http://www.movieweb.com/news/warner-bros-expands-leavesden-studios-as-tarzan-begins-production|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|last1=Cox|first1=Gordon|title=Warner Bros. to Expand Leavesden Studios as 'Tarzan' Starts Filming|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/warner-bros-to-expand-leavesden-studios-as-tarzan-starts-filming-1201254872/|access-date=1 July 2014|magazine=Variety|date=30 June 2014}} Filming had begun on the day an announcement was made for the expansion of the studio.{{cite news|last1=Tartaglione|first1=Nancy|title=Warner Bros Studios Leavesden To Expand In UK; 'Tarzan' Swings Into Residence|url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/warner-bros-studios-leavesden-to-expand-in-uk-tarzan-swings-into-residence-797821/|access-date=1 July 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=30 June 2014}} Filming wrapped the same year on October 3.{{cite news|title=On The Set For 10/06/14: Liam Neeson Starts A Monster Calls, Alexander Skarsgard Wraps Tarzan|url=http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-100614-liam-neeson-starts-a-monster-calls-alexander-skarsgard-wraps-tarzan/|access-date=October 7, 2014|publisher=SSN Insider|date=October 6, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008075613/http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-100614-liam-neeson-starts-a-monster-calls-alexander-skarsgard-wraps-tarzan/|archive-date=October 8, 2014}} Filming took place for a total of 70 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-legend-of-tarzan-set-visit/|title='The Legend of Tarzan' Set Visit: A Passionate Attempt to Reboot an Iconic Character|author=Germain Lussier|publisher=/Film|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016}} According to The Wall Street Journal, shooting the film in Africa would have made the budget even higher.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-legend-of-tarzan-got-modernized-1466712079|title=How 'The Legend of Tarzan' Got Modernized|author=Lucy Feldman|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016}}

Making Africa seem authentic was especially important to the filmmakers, since the film was shot in England, except for six weeks in Gabon, filming background by helicopter without the cast. A working waterfall and a 100-foot-long collapsible pier were assembled at Warner Bros.' Leavesden studios.{{cite magazine |last1=Stamp |first1=Elizabeth |date=June 28, 2016 |title=Tour The Legend of Tarzan{{’}}s Far-Flung Filming Locations|url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/tour-the-legend-of-tarzans-far-flung-filming-locations |access-date=January 20, 2018 |magazine= Architectural Digest }} Seven versions of the African jungle were constructed to show different scenery throughout the filming. Plants from Holland were mixed with trees sculpted by the art department. Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire stood in for the Greystoke Manor, and a cedar tree on the grounds of Highclere Castle served as the setting for an early pivotal scene between Tarzan and Jane.

{{Main|The Legend of Tarzan (soundtrack)}}

The film's score was composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. The soundtrack was released on June 24, 2016, by WaterTower Music and on CD on July 15, 2016. Tony Clarke,{{cite web|title=Hans-Zimmer.com - Tony Clarke|url=http://www.hans-zimmer.com/index.php?rub=rcpmember&numid=107|publisher=hans-zimmer.com|access-date=July 30, 2017}} Thomas Farnon,{{cite web|title=Thomas Farnon : Credits|url=http://www.thomasfarnon.com/credits/film/|publisher=thomasfarnon.com|access-date=July 30, 2017}} and Tom Howe{{cite web|title=Credits: Tom Howe|url=http://www.tomhowe.co.uk/credits/|publisher=tomhowe.co.uk|access-date=March 25, 2017|archive-date=March 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326140228/http://www.tomhowe.co.uk/credits/|url-status=dead}} are credited for additional music. Hozier provided a single, "Better Love", which is played at the film's end credits.{{cite web|url=http://hozier.com/better-love/|title=Better Love - Hozier|first=Hozier -|last=www.hozier.com|date=15 June 2016}}

The film was released on July 1, 2016, by Warner Bros., in traditional formats as well as 3D and IMAX 3D.

The film was released on October 11, 2016, in traditional formats, Blu-ray, DVD and 4K Blu-ray.{{Cite news|title= The Legend of Tarzan 4K Blu-ray|url=https://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=19664|access-date=26 April 2020|date=18 August 2016|website=Blu-ray.com}}

The Legend of Tarzan grossed $126.6 million in the United States and Canada and $230.1 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $356.7 million. Given its $180 million production budget, it would have had to earn at least $400 million to break even and justify a sequel. Deadline Hollywood{{'}}s financial analysts stated that Warner Bros. lost an estimated $40 million on the film, although the studio itself asserted the film broke even.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/bfg-box-office-legend-of-tarzan-1201796977/|title='The BFG,' 'The Legend of Tarzan' Failing to Generate Much Box Office Heat|author=Brent Lang|work=Variety|date=June 16, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-2-king-arthur-bombing-snatched-amy-schumer-box-office-1202088670/ |title='Guardians Vol. 2' Sending 'King Arthur' To The Dungeon — Weekend Box Office Preview |author=Anthony D'Alessandro|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=May 10, 2017}}

In the United States and Canada, The Legend of Tarzan opened alongside The BFG and The Purge: Election Year, and was projected to gross to $25–33 million in its opening weekend.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/july-fourth-box-office-few-905589/item/bfg-july-fourth-box-office-905599|title=July Fourth Box Office: Few Fireworks Expected as 'BFG,' 'Tarzan' Track Poorly|author=Pamela McClintock|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4201|title='Finding Dory' #1 Again, Topping All Four of the Weekend's New Wide Releases Combined|author=Brad Brevet|website=Box Office Mojo|date=June 26, 2016|access-date=June 26, 2016}} It opened Friday, July 1, 2016, across 3,561 theaters and 6,700 screens, and grossed $14 million on its opening day, including $1.4 million in IMAX showings.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/07/02/box-office-legend-of-tarzan-snags-surprisingly-mighty-14m-friday/#6ad651b44e00|title=Box Office: 'Legend Of Tarzan' Snags Surprisingly Mighty $14M Friday|author=Scott Mendelson|work=Forbes|date=July 2, 2016|access-date=July 2, 2016}} This includes $2.6 million it made from Thursday night previews.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4202&p=.htm|title='Tarzan', 'BFG' and 'Purge 3' Will be No Match for 'Finding Dory'|author=Brad Brevet|website=Box Office Mojo|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}} In its opening weekend, buoyed by positive word of mouth, the film grossed a better-than-expected $38.5 million, of which IMAX contributed $3.9 million, and $46.6 million over its four-day Independence Day holiday frame, finishing second place at the box office behind Finding Dory, but first among new releases. However, despite its opening numbers, Deadline called the film a "dud", due to its lofty budget.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/07/03/tarzan-box-office-when-best-case-scenario-isnt-good-enough/#52ff00771522|title='Tarzan' Box Office: When Best-Case-Scenario Isn't Good Enough|author=Scott Mendelson|work=Forbes|date=July 3, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/independence-day-box-office-legend-of-tarzan-the-purge-election-year-the-bfg-1201782489/|title='Dory' Dominates, 'Tarzan' Improves, 'Purge' Excels As 'BFG' Falls: July 4th Weekend B.O. – Sunday Update|author=Anthony D'Alessandro|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 3, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}}

Internationally, The Legend of Tarzan received a scattered release pattern, in order to take advantage of the competitive landscape surrounding the UEFA Euro 2016.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/tarzan-independence-day-resurgence-secret-life-of-pets-finding-dory-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-china-international-box-office-weekend-results-1201782497/|title='Tarzan' Takes $19.3M In First Offshore Swing; 'Resurgence' Rises To $175.8M; China Shells Out For 'TMNT2' – Intl B.O. Final|first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 5, 2016|access-date=July 6, 2016}} It is likely that a recoup of the film's hefty production budget will be dependent on international audiences and returns. Jeff Goldstein, Warner's executive vice president of domestic distribution, told The New York Times, "This property has always really been about the international opportunity."{{cite web|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/04/movies/finding-dory-rules-the-box-office-as-the-bfg-stumbles.html |title='The BFG' Stumbles as 'Finding Dory' Rules Box Office|author=Brooks Barnes|work=The New York Times|date=July 3, 2016 |url-access=registration |access-date= June 27, 2020 }} The film opened across 19 markets on the same weekend it debuted in North America, including major territories like Russia and South Korea. In its opening weekend, it grossed $19.3 million on about 6,700 screens, and an IMAX total of $1.2 million from 122 IMAX theaters. In Russia and the CIS, it opened with $3.1 million, debuting in first place at the box office. However, it was the lowest No. 1 opening for a film since April,{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/russia-box-office-legend-tarzan-908280|title=Russia Box Office: 'Legend of Tarzan' No. 1 With Soft $3M; 'BFG' Places Second|first=Vladimir |last=Kozlov|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 5, 2016|access-date=July 5, 2016}} while in South Korea it debuted at No. 2, with $4 million. In the latter market, it faced significant competition from local films Familyhood and The Hunt, both of which performed strongly.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/south-korea-box-office-local-908358|title=South Korea Box Office: Local Comedy 'Familyhood' Tops 'The Legend of Tarzan'|first=Lee |last=Hyo-won|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 6, 2016|access-date=July 6, 2016}} In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it came in second place with $4.7 million, including previews, debuting behind the animated The Secret Life of Pets, and in Australia with $3.2 million, behind Finding Dory.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/ice-age-sultan-salman-khan-finding-dory-tarzan-cold-war-independence-day-bollywood-china-international-box-office-weekend-results-1201784674/|title='Ice Age' Leads Studio Pics; Chinese Summer & 'Sultan' Kick Off – Intl B.O. Final|author=Nancy Tartaglione|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 12, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2016}} Elsewhere, Asia had No. 1 openings in India, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The studio also reported No. 1 debuts in Mexico ($4.6 million), Brazil ($3.4 million), Spain ($1.8 million), Italy ($1.6 million), the majority of Eastern European markets, and Puerto Rico.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/ghostbusters-ice-age-collision-course-sultan-secret-life-of-pets-finding-dory-tarzan-independence-day-international-box-office-weekend-results-1201787698/|title='Ice Age' Charts $53.5M Course To Lead Frame; 'Ghostbusters' Calls Up $19.1M In Offshore Bow – International Box Office|author=Nancy Tartaglione|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 17, 2016|access-date=July 18, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/07/star-trek-beyond-lights-out-skiptrace-international-box-office-1201791877/|title='Star Trek Beyond' $30M Debut; 'Lights Out' $8.5M; Jackie Chan's 'Skiptrace' Nails $64M Bow – Int'l Box Office Final|author=Anita Busch|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 25, 2016|access-date=July 26, 2016}} Germany ($2 million), the UAE ($1.6 million), and Japan ($1.5 million) had similar opening figures.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/jason-bourne-star-trek-ghostbusters-bad-moms-dory-pets-league-of-gods-international-box-office-weekend-results-1201795928/|title='Jason Bourne' Supreme With $50.1M Bow & Franchise Records – Intl Box Office Update|author=Nancy Tartaglione|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 31, 2016|access-date=August 1, 2016}}

In China – the film's second biggest market – the film was granted a rare release date in the month of July, a peculiar move since July is typically the month when Chinese regulators ban foreign films (including Hollywood films) in order to protect and promote their own local films.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-jackie-chans-914133|title=China Box Office: Jackie Chan's 'Skiptrace' Rockets to $60M|author=Patrick Brzeski|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 24, 2016|access-date=July 26, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/china-box-office-growth-returns-924924|title=China Box Office: Growth Returns in August After Prolonged Downturn|author=Patrick Brzeski|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 30, 2016|access-date=September 3, 2016}} It opened on Tuesday, July 19, and made $7 million on its opening day. It went on to deliver a six-day opening of around $27 million and a three-day weekend opening of $12 million. Although the opening number was regarded strong, it came in second place, behind Skiptrace, which occupied a market share in excess of 56%, in comparison to The Legend of Tarzan{{'}}s 16%.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/china-box-office-jackie-chan-skiptrace-1201821902/|title=China Box Office: Jackie Chan's 'Skiptrace' Leaps to $60 Million Opening|author=Patrick Frater|work=Variety|date=July 24, 2016|access-date=July 26, 2016}}

In terms of total earnings, its biggest markets outside of the United States are China ($45.1 million), Mexico ($13.7 million) and the U.K. and Ireland ($11.9 million).{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/suicide-squad-secret-life-of-pets-time-raiders-jason-bourne-international-box-office-weekend-results-1201799726/|title='Suicide Squad's $132M Offshore Bow Sets August Records; 'Pets' Passes $500M WW – International Box Office|author=Nancy Tartaglione|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 7, 2016|access-date=August 7, 2016}}

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 35% based on 261 reviews with an average rating of 5.1/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "The Legend of Tarzan has more on its mind than many movies starring the classic character, but that isn't enough to make up for its generic plot or sluggish pace."{{cite web |title=The Legend of Tarzan (2016) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_legend_of_tarzan/ |access-date=September 26, 2023 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandango Media}} On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 44 out of 100 based on 41 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-legend-of-tarzan |title=The Legend of Tarzan Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 17, 2016}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale.{{cite web |date= 3 July 2016 |last= Brueggemann |first= Tom |author-link= Tom Brueggemann |title= Top 10 Box Office Takeaways: 'The Legend of Tarzan' and 'The BFG' May Not Recoup |url= https://www.indiewire.com/2016/07/top-10-box-office-takeaways-finding-dory-the-legend-of-tarzan-purge-election-year-spielberg-the-bfg-1201702230/ |website= IndieWire }}

Manohla Dargis of The New York Times gave the film a positive review, stating "What makes it more enjoyable than a lot of recycled stories of this type is that the filmmakers have given Tarzan a thoughtful, imperfect makeover."{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/01/movies/the-legend-of-tarzan-review.html|title=Review: A 'Tarzan' With a Few Twists in the Hollywood Vine|last=Dargis|first=Manohla|date=2016-06-30|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-07-08}} In his review, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone stated "At least it's watchable. In summer, baby, that's high praise."{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-legend-of-tarzan-20160629|title=The Legend of Tarzan|magazine=Rolling Stone |date=29 June 2016|access-date=2016-07-08}}

Peter Debruge of Variety gave the film a negative review, stating "A talky and mostly turgid attempt by British director David Yates to build on the epic vision he brought to the final four Harry Potter movies via another beloved literary hero."{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/the-legend-of-tarzan-review-1201805692/|title=Film Review: 'The Legend of Tarzan'|last=Debruge|first=Peter|date=2016-06-29 |access-date=2016-07-08}} Jordan Hoffman of The Guardian criticized the film for its story and writing, stating "Committed performances aren't enough to save this film from uncomfortable colonial optics, uninspiring CGI and tedious plotlines." He simultaneously called out for the film trying to make the source material politically correct and for being a white saviour narrative.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/29/the-legend-of-tarzan-review-an-inherently-problematic-remake|title=The Legend of Tarzan review – an inherently problematic remake|last=Hoffman|first=Jordan|date=2016-06-29|work=The Guardian|location=UK|access-date=2016-07-08}}

• List of films featuring slavery
• Tarzan in film and other non-print media

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|The Legend of Tarzan (film)}}

• {{Official website|http://legendoftarzan.com/}}
• {{IMDb title|0918940}}
• {{Mojo title|tarzan2016}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes|tarzan_2016}}

{{Tarzan}}

{{David Yates}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Legend Of Tarzan (film)}}

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