After powerful Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson loses the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination to Senator John F. Kennedy, he agrees to be his young rival’s running mate. But once they win the election, despite his extensive legislative experience and shrewd political instincts, Johnson finds himself sidelined in the role of vice president. That all changes on Nov. 22, 1963, when Kennedy is assassinated and Johnson, with his devoted wife Lady Bird by his side, is suddenly thrust into the presidency. As the nation mourns, Johnson must contend with longtime adversary Attorney General Bobby Kennedy and one-time mentor Georgia Senator Richard Russell as he seeks to honor JFK’s legacy by championing the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964.

What is the budget of LBJ?

LBJ (2017) offers a compelling glimpse into the life of one of America's most controversial presidents. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film stars Woody Harrelson as Lyndon B. Johnson, alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bill Pullman. Released on November 3, 2017, this biographical drama explores Johnson's tumultuous rise to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The budget of LBJ is particularly significant, as it reflects the financial challenges faced by historical dramas in today’s cinematic landscape.

What was the production budget for LBJ?

The production budget for LBJ was set at $20,000,000. This figure places it within a moderate range for biographical films, especially those that tackle complex political narratives. When compared to similar films in the genre, such as "The Butler" (2013) with a budget of $30 million and "Selma" (2014) at $20 million, LBJ's budget appears to be on par, indicating a consistent investment in stories that delve into American history.

Key Budget Allocation Categories

While specific breakdowns of LBJ's budget are not publicly available, typical cost factors for films of this nature often include:

- Talent: Salaries for well-known actors and directors can consume a significant portion of the budget.

- Locations: Authentic settings that reflect the 1960s era may require substantial investment.

- Costumes and Set Design: Creating a believable historical context often demands high-quality production design.

What were the major production costs for LBJ?

Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of LBJ. Notable expenses likely included:

- Casting: Woody Harrelson's involvement would have commanded a considerable salary.

- Location Filming: Authentic locations that reflect the political climate of the 1960s can be costly.

- Historical Accuracy: Investments in costumes and set design to accurately portray the era.

While there were no widely reported budget overruns, the film's final costs remained aligned with its initial budget of $20 million.

How did LBJ perform at the box office?

LBJ's worldwide box office earnings totaled $2,507,181.00, with domestic earnings accounting for $2,468,683.00. This performance indicates a significant gap between the production budget and box office returns, raising questions about its financial viability.

Break-even Point Analysis

To determine the break-even point, a film typically needs to earn approximately double its production budget to cover marketing and distribution costs. In LBJ's case, this would mean needing around $40 million in box office earnings, which it did not achieve.

ROI Percentage

Given the production budget of $20 million and total earnings of $2,507,181.00, the return on investment (ROI) for LBJ is notably negative. The film's financial performance highlights the challenges faced by biographical dramas in attracting audiences.

Was LBJ profitable?

The financial outcome for LBJ indicates that the film was not profitable. With box office earnings falling significantly short of the production budget, it struggled to recoup its costs. This outcome can impact the studio's willingness to invest in similar projects in the future.

Impact on the Studio and Future Budgets

The lack of profitability for LBJ may lead studios to reconsider the budgets allocated for historical dramas. As filmmakers assess the financial risks associated with such projects, it could result in more conservative budget allocations for future films in the genre.

Records Set

While LBJ did not set any notable records, its financial performance serves as a reminder of the volatility in the biographical film market.

Commonly Asked Questions

How much did LBJ (2017) cost to make?

LBJ had a production budget of $20,000,000.

Was LBJ (2017) profitable?

No, LBJ was not profitable, as its box office earnings were significantly lower than its production costs.

What was the most expensive element of LBJ (2017)?

While specific details are not available, major costs likely stemmed from talent salaries and production design.

How much did LBJ (2017) make at the box office?

LBJ earned a total of $2,507,181.00 worldwide.

Did LBJ (2017) go over budget?

LBJ did not go over budget; it remained within its initial $20 million production cost.

In summary, LBJ (2017) faced significant financial challenges, with a production budget of $20 million and box office earnings that fell short of expectations. The film's performance serves as a cautionary tale for studios considering investments in similar biographical narratives.