With Avengers: Doomsday looming on the horizon, Sebastian Stan is already making waves at the box office with his latest project. The actor, known for his role as Bucky Barnes in the MCU, has been generating serious buzz with Fjord, a legal thriller that took home the Palme d'Or at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. Now, the film has officially hit U.S. theaters, and its debut numbers are turning heads.
A Quiet Debut with a Loud Impact
Over the weekend, Fjord opened in just four locations, a limited release strategy that often goes unnoticed. But the film didn't just slip under the radar—it dominated. Earning $124,000 from those four screens, Fjord posted a per-theater average of $31,000. That's the highest of any film in release this weekend, surpassing even the much-hyped horror flick Other Mommy, starring Jessica Chastain, which took the top spot overall.
For context, a per-theater average of $31,000 is a remarkable feat for any film, let alone one playing in only a handful of locations. It signals strong audience interest and critical acclaim, setting the stage for a wider expansion in the coming weeks.
A Palme d'Or Pedigree
Directed by Cristian Mungiu, Fjord marks his second Palme d'Or win, following his 2007 triumph with 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. The film stars Stan alongside Renate Reinsve, known for Sentimental Value. The story follows an immigrant Romanian family in Norway who find themselves under investigation and facing intense scrutiny from the local judicial system.
The film's success is a testament to Mungiu's storytelling and the powerful performances of its leads. It's a gripping legal thriller that has resonated with audiences and critics alike, and its box office performance reflects that.
What's Next for Stan?
While Fjord is making its mark, fans are also eagerly anticipating Avengers: Doomsday, set to hit theaters on December 18. The film promises to be an epic conclusion to the current MCU saga, with a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, and Pedro Pascal.
Stan recently teased that Doomsday will be an emotional rollercoaster, hinting at a potentially heartbreaking narrative. "I'm sure it's going to be probably heartbreaking, in a lot of ways," he said, adding, "We'll see who makes it to the next level." While he hasn't seen the final cut, his insights suggest fans should prepare for some major twists.
For those who can't get enough of Stan's dramatic range, Fjord is a must-watch. And if you're in the mood for more psychological thrillers, check out our list of the most flawless psychological thrillers since 2010. For a different kind of thriller, Adam Scott's haunted hotel thriller is currently topping Hulu charts.
As Fjord continues its theatrical run, all eyes will be on its expansion and whether it can maintain its impressive momentum. Meanwhile, the countdown to Doomsday is officially on.
