Five years after the end of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Tom Hanks), a veteran of three wars, now moves from town to town as a non-fiction storyteller, sharing the news of presidents and queens, glorious feuds, devastating catastrophes, and gripping adventures from the far reaches of the globe. On the plains of Texas, he crosses paths with Johanna (Helena Zengel), a 10-year-old taken in by the Kiowa people six years earlier and raised as one of their own. Johanna, hostile to a world she's never experienced, is being returned to her biological aunt and uncle against her will. Kidd agrees to deliver the child where the law says she belongs. As they travel hundreds of miles into the unforgiving wilderness, the two will face tremendous challenges of both human and natural forces as they search for a place that either can call home.

Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for News of the World?

Directed by Paul Greengrass, with Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Michael Angelo Covino leading the cast, News of the World was produced by Playtone with a confirmed budget of $38,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films.

With a $38,000,000 budget, News of the World sits in the mid-range of studio releases. Marketing costs for a wide release at this level typically add $30–60 million, putting the break-even point near $95,000,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Weapons (2025): Budget $38,000,000 | Gross $269,972,492 → ROI: 610% • The Fast and the Furious (2001): Budget $38,000,000 | Gross $207,283,925 → ROI: 445% • Only the Brave (2017): Budget $38,000,000 | Gross $25,754,775 → ROI: -32% • Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017): Budget $38,000,000 | Gross $125,427,681 → ROI: 230% • Why Him? (2016): Budget $38,000,000 | Gross $118,102,725 → ROI: 211%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.

▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.

▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Michael Angelo Covino, Ray McKinnon, Mare Winningham Key roles: Tom Hanks as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd; Helena Zengel as Johanna Leonberger; Michael Angelo Covino as Almay; Ray McKinnon as Simon Boudlin

DIRECTOR: Paul Greengrass CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dariusz Wolski MUSIC: James Newton Howard EDITING: William Goldenberg PRODUCTION: Playtone, Pretty Pictures, Universal Pictures, Perfect World Pictures FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

News of the World earned $12,668,325 domestically and $31,675 internationally, for a worldwide total of $12,700,000. The film skewed heavily domestic (100%), suggesting strong North American appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), News of the World needed approximately $95,000,000 to break even. The film fell $82,300,000 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $12,700,000 Budget: $38,000,000 Net: $-25,300,000 ROI: -66.6%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

News of the World earned $12,700,000 against a $38,000,000 budget (-67% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.