Drummer Boy, the new musical starring and co-directed by for KING & COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone, is exceeding early box office expectations. Angel Studios' release is projected to earn approximately $8.5 million domestically over November 6-8, according to The Numbers' November 7 update.
The revised estimate is 73% above the outlet's original forecast, following approximately $3.5 million in Friday ticket sales. Opening in 2,850 theaters, the film also received an A CinemaScore from opening-night audiences. These figures remain preliminary, with final weekend results still to come.
Set during the American Revolutionary War, Drummer Boy follows two brothers whose loyalties place them on opposite sides of the battlefield. As the conflict threatens their family and the people they love, the brothers face choices about duty, sacrifice and forgiveness. Their struggle unfolds alongside an enslaved woman's search for freedom, bringing a personal dimension to the larger fight for independence.
The film combines wartime action, family drama and music, exploring how reconciliation might remain possible when political allegiance divides a household. Its themes of faith and forgiveness emerge through characters confronting loss and deciding how to respond to those who stand against them. Angel describes the story as an adventure about freedom that encompasses both physical captivity and spiritual bondage.
Joel Smallbone, one half of the four-time Grammy-winning duo for KING & COUNTRY alongside his brother Luke, co-directs with another brother, filmmaker Ben Smallbone. Joel plays Jeremiah Clem, while Lucas Leach portrays his brother Benjamin. India Brown plays Emmaline, with an ensemble that includes Ioan Gruffudd, Melora Hardin, Iain Glen, Charles Esten, Beth Easdown and Beverley Knight. Richard L. Ramsey wrote the screenplay.
Music also extends the project beyond the screen. for KING & COUNTRY released Drummer Boy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) through Curb Records on November 6, coinciding with the film's nationwide theatrical debut. Joel and Luke wrote the original music for the 13-track collection, which combines cast performances, new songs and reimagined Christmas favorites.
The soundtrack includes "Wildflower," "Same Blood," "Try" and "Who I Hope To Be," alongside the duo's rendition of "Drummer Boy." Featured vocalists include Beverley Knight, Charles Esten and Melora Hardin.
"Music has always been at the heart of how we tell stories," Joel said in the soundtrack announcement.
At the wider box office, Godzilla Minus Zero is expected to lead the weekend, with distributor GKIDS projecting approximately $32 million. The Cat in the Hat is tracking toward approximately $16.5 million. Against those releases, Drummer Boy's improved forecast makes it one of the weekend's notable surprises.
Drummer Boy is now playing in U.S. theaters through Angel Studios.
