"[67] 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. Pursuing the steamship, John, George, and the village's remaining warriors seize a train carrying Belgian soldiers and enslaved Congolese. John rescues Jane and pursues Rom, who prepares to deliver the diamonds to Frum and the mercenaries. [26] Other early contenders for the role included Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Charlie Hunnam. Rom's expedition is massacred by warriors led by Chief Mbonga, who offers Rom diamonds in exchange for Tarzan. [33] Filming took place for a total of 70 days. [58][59] It opened on Tuesday, July 19, and made $7 million on its opening day. [4] It is based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' fictional character. Deadline Hollywood's financial analysts stated that the film lost the studio an estimated $40 million, although the studio itself asserted the film broke even. Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment. Mbonga attacks John, who gains the upper hand but spares the chief. [7] Yates found Skarsgård to be the perfect Tarzan. At his arrival back to the Greystoke Manor, a flashback reveals the deaths of John's parents after their shipwreck in Africa, and his adoption by the great apes called the Mangani. Frum and the fleet of mercenaries depart. The soundtrack was released on June 16, 2016 by WaterTower Music and on CD on June 24, 2016. "[62] On Metacritic, the film has a score of 44 out of 100 based on 41 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [35], 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. [28] On September 26, 2013, Christoph Waltz was in talks to play the villain in the film; he was later cast, as Captain Rom. The Prime Minister and an American envoy, George Washington Williams, explain that Leopold is defaulting on his loans, and a visit from Greystoke – whose exploits as Tarzan have made him a celebrity – would secure Britain's influence in the Congo, but Greystoke refuses. [42][44][45] 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. [21][22] By 2011, Craig Brewer, who also rewrote a version of the script, was set to direct the film,[23] although this did not come to pass. [15] On June 17, Osy Ikhile was added to the cast to play a supporting role, but the character was not then named. John loses, but he and George are permitted to travel on. [35][36] Seven versions of the African jungle were constructed to show different scenery throughout the filming. [47] 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 $45.6 million over its four-day Independence Day holiday frame, finishing second place at the box office behind Finding Dory, but first among new releases. One year later, John and Jane have relocated to Africa, in Jane's father's old house. 2, with $4 million. The man once called "Tarzan", The Rt Hon. [4][27] 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. [42][43], 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. [24] In April 2013, it was reported that the production was temporarily suspended due to budgetary concerns. [16] The release of the first trailer in December 2015 revealed that Jim Broadbent was also part of the cast. On January 18, 2014, Robbie was cast in the film, opposite Skarsgård, beating Stone for the role. They celebrate their newborn child, and John returns to the great apes as Tarzan. The film was released on July 1, 2016 by Warner Bros., in traditional formats as well as 3D and IMAX 3D. All music is composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams, except where noted. [citation needed], Principal photography on the film commenced on June 30, 2014, at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, England. Expands Leavesden Studios as 'Tarzan' Begins Production", "Warner Bros. to Expand Leavesden Studios as 'Tarzan' Starts Filming", "Warner Bros Studios Leavesden To Expand In UK; 'Tarzan' Swings Into Residence", "On The Set For 10/06/14: Liam Neeson Starts A Monster Calls, Alexander Skarsgard Wraps Tarzan", "How 'The Legend of Tarzan' Got Modernized", "July Fourth Box Office: Few Fireworks Expected as 'BFG,' 'Tarzan' Track Poorly", "Box Office: 'Legend Of Tarzan' Snags Surprisingly Mighty $14M Friday", "Russia Box Office: 'Legend of Tarzan' No. The British Prime Minister offers Lord Greystoke an invitation from Leopold to visit Boma. 1 opening for a film since April,[52] while in South Korea it debuted at No. "[51] The film opened across 19 markets on the same weekend it debuted in North America, including major territories like Russia and South Korea. "[68], John Clayton, 5th Earl of Greystoke/Tarzan, "David Yates Committing to Tarzan at Warner Bros", "Warner Bros. Sets Release Date for Its 3D 'Tarzan' Movie", "Alexander Skarsgard swings into 'Tarzan' frontrunner", "Sneak peek: 'Tarzan' puts a twist on a legend", "Alexander Skarsgard, of Sound Mind and Body to Play Tarzan", "How Alexander Skarsgard Got 'Tarzan' Fit", "Christoph Waltz in Talks to Play the Villain in 'Tarzan, "Samuel L. Jackson in Talks for 'Tarzan' at Warner Bros", "Samuel L. Jackson Confirmed For Tarzan Reboot.