The film's $8.9 million Friday total, which included preview screenings, proved to be just the beginning of a strong run. The film's intensity, driven by Oliver Stone and Alex Hayes's immense star power, generated strong, immediate buzz.
The momentum carried through the weekend with significant results, proving the film had strong word-of-mouth. Saturday brought in an impressive $8.5 million, and Sunday maintained high momentum, pulling in $8.1 million as audiences flocked to catch the war drama before the work week began.
This sustained performance resulted in a massive total opening weekend gross of $25.5 million.
Platoon, a brutal, $6 million-budgeted war drama released by MGM, had clearly dethroned the reigning champion, Eddie Murphy's high-profile, big-budget studio comedy, The Golden Child. That film, in its second weekend of release, grossed $7.7 million, making Platoon the clear winner of the weekend box office crown.
*****
Alex Hayes found a grounding relief in farm work, riding horses across the vast property, and practicing his shooting. Robert Downey Jr. experienced slight withdrawal symptoms, but the counteracting medications ensured his discomfort was minimal. The dazed, distant look had begun to recede slightly from his face, replaced by a slight improvement in clarity. Alex took pleasure in teaching both Mia and Robert how to ride a horse and how to shoot.
The quiet of the Texas retreat gave way to excitement on Christmas Eve day with the unexpected arrival of Diane Lane. Having taken the open invitation extended by the Hayes family, Diane flew in, bringing an extra layer of warmth and excitement to the holiday. No one was happier to see her than Alex's five-year-old sister, Sofia, who shared a special bond with the actress.
That evening, the home was filled with the celebratory chaos of a large, extended family. With Mia's mother joining them, Aunt Nancy and Edward, their daughter Janet, and the guests Mia, Diane and Robert, the Christmas Eve dinner was a grand, festive feast, embodying the genuine, traditional spirit of the holiday season.
The next day, Christmas Day, the family attended services at the local church. Alex's presence, flanked by the two beautiful actresses, Mia Sara and Diane Lane, did not go unnoticed. Small whispers rippled through the congregation. Some locals, seeing the successful actor with two highly visible young women, speculated that Alex had become a playboy since moving to Hollywood. Diane, accustomed to such gossip, simply ignored the murmurs. Mia, however, was less immune to the comments but maintained her composure, choosing not to vocalize her thoughts.
Meanwhile, the phenomenal success of Platoon continued unabated. After its record-breaking opening weekend, the film completed its first full week with strong weekday grosses, adding another $17.9 million to its total between Monday and Thursday.
The momentum carried through the second weekend. A Christmas holiday boost meant the film not only maintained its dominance but performed exceptionally well, grossing a powerful $22.8 million and securing the number one spot at the box office for the second consecutive week with a remarkably low drop of just 10.6%. This extraordinary run brought the film's cumulative domestic box office total to a staggering $66.2 million in just ten days of release.
Adding to the domestic success, Platoon began its overseas rollout. It had already grossed another $41.8 million from international markets, taking the film's total worldwide box office to a staggering $108 million.
This success extended Alex Hayes's incredible streak to fourteen consecutive box office hits.
MGM was ecstatic; the blockbuster success provided a major financial cushion and surging confidence for the pre-production of the romantic comedy Moonstruck.
*******
On the sunny afternoon of December 29th, Mia, Robert, Diane, and Alex rode out across the vast acreage. The relaxed atmosphere was momentarily broken when Diane, enjoying the thrill of the ride, challenged Alex.
"Race you to that ridge, Hayes!" she called out, immediately spurring her horse into a quick gallop.
Alex laughed, accepting the dare, and galloped after her. Mia followed a short distance behind. Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air, followed by the heavy sound of a horse slowing abruptly and a body hitting the ground. They reined in their horses and rushed back. They found Diane writhing on the ground, clutching her ankle in pain.
Robert and Mia quickly dismounted, asking frantically what happened.
"I think the horse got spooked, seeing something in the brush," Alex said, his face grave as he knelt beside her. He gently examined her ankle. "It's badly twisted, Diane. I don't think anything's broken, but we need to get you back to the house now." Without another word, he carefully hoisted her into his arms.
Mia watched the intimate sight of Alex holding Diane—a beautiful woman, looking fragile and dependent—and felt a sudden, sharp pang of discomfort and a wave of unwarranted jealousy.
Alex then carefully mounted his horse and, holding Diane securely across the saddle in front of him, rode swiftly back toward the main house. Robert, noticing Mia's troubled expression, walked his horse over to her.
"Don't start thinking unnecessary things, Mia," Robert said quietly, reading her face perfectly. "Alex is not that type of person. He's just being Alex."
Mia silently nodded, saying nothing, but the image of Alex riding away with Diane lingered.
A local doctor was immediately summoned to the ranch. After a thorough examination, the verdict was delivered: a severely twisted ankle. Diane would need complete rest for a week before she could put weight on it and walk normally.
That night, after the rest of the house had settled down, Alex and Mia retired to their room. Alex, seeing her subdued mood throughout the evening, turned to her. "What's happened, Mia? You've been quiet ever since the accident."
Mia was silent for a moment, tracing the stitching on the quilt before she spoke. "I was jealous, Alex. When you rode off with Diane… I just felt this rush of irrational jealousy."
Alex moved closer, taking her hand. "Mia, she's just a friend. Besides, Diane is in a serious relationship. She only came here because her plans to spend Christmas with her boyfriend, Christopher Lambert, broke down at the last minute."
Mia nodded. "I know that. My head is telling me exactly what you are, but my heart isn't listening."
Alex looked at her intensely, his expression turning to sad realization. "That's not the only issue in our relationship, is it?"
Mia looked at him, surprised by his directness. Alex offered a slight, sad smile in return. "Did you think I didn't notice? I'm not oblivious."
Mia finally nodded, the dam breaking slightly. "Being in a relationship with the biggest movie star in the country is impossible. The constant paparazzi attention, the total loss of privacy… it feels like walls are surrounding me, constantly closing in." She gave a light, self-deprecating laugh. "And this jealousy—I know it's irrational; I know you're not that kind of person. But my mind still goes there."
Alex listened patiently, letting her finish. "So, what happens now?" he questioned softly.
Mia looked up at him, her eyes earnest. "I can't do anything about your stardom and popularity. But can you keep Diane at a distance for a while?"
Alex frowned, pulling his hand away slightly. "Mia, I—"
"I know it's not rational," she quickly interjected, her voice filled with quiet desperation. "But I am deeply insecure about your relationship with her. Please, just give me this. Give our relationship this assurance right now."
Alex's frown deepened. "You're asking me to shun one of my few friends."
Mia sighed, tears welling in her eyes. "That's what I need right now. It is important to me, Alex. That you put our relationship above this particular friendship."
"And if I don't agree?" Alex questioned, his tone flat.
They both just sat there, the silence stretching taut between them. Alex knew the answer in her silence—the unspoken ultimatum was clear. He had always despised ultimatums.
Alex finally stood, moving to the door. "I'll ask the pilot to be ready to take you to L.A."
Mia looked at him, the tears now spilling onto her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
Alex simply shook his head, unable to speak, and left the room.
He walked past the quiet guest rooms, through the hallway, and out the back door into the vast, cold Texas night. He exhaled a long, ragged breath, as if he were trying to push all the sorrow and suffocating pressure out of his lungs.