Universal's $138 million live-action blockbuster Cats has been neglected at the local box office, earning less than $2 million over its opening weekend.

The musical, based off Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous stage production of the same name, netted just $1.64 million at Australian cinemas. The film opened in Australia on Boxing Day and stars American pop star Taylor Swift, award-winning actor Judi Dench and Australian star Rebel Wilson.

A scene from the 2019 film Cats. Credit:Universal

In contrast, Sony's Jumanji: The Next Level, which also opened on December 26, sold around $13.28 million in tickets over the weekend. Disney's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which came out a week before Christmas, netted $8.33 million during the same period.

The Australian figures follow a worldwide trend. Globally, the film has so far earned about $54.72 million – well below its nine-figure budget.