The recent previews for Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice and Lionsgate’s The Crow have left box office analysts a bit underwhelmed with the projected single-digit openings. Despite having a star-studded cast including Channing Tatum, Blink Twice only managed to bring in $820K in previews, which is quite disappointing considering the $20M budget and positive critical reviews it received. On the other hand, The Crow fared even worse with only $650K in previews and a dismal one-star rating from audiences. This begs the question of whether Lionsgate is on track for another lackluster performance with a potential D+ CinemaScore for The Crow.
In contrast to the lackluster performances of Blink Twice and The Crow, Sony Affirm’s faith-based film, The Forge, has seemingly struck a chord with moviegoers. The film received five stars from audiences and an impressive 88% definite recommend, despite flying under the radar with only $600K on Thursday night. With a modest budget of $5M before P&A, The Forge is proving to be a formidable contender at the box office and is poised to surpass expectations, especially given Sony’s successful track record with similar projects in the past.
This weekend is shaping up to be a battle between two Disney movies, Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine. While both films are expected to perform well, Alien: Romulus is predicted to have the edge over its counterpart with a projected $18M opening compared to $17M for Deadpool & Wolverine. Alien: Romulus has already accumulated $56.3M by the end of the week, showcasing its potential to be a strong competitor in the crowded box office landscape. The film’s performance is promising, especially when compared to previous entries in the Alien franchise, such as Covenant and Prometheus.
Despite the fierce competition at the box office, certain established franchises continue to thrive. D&W, the latest installment in the ongoing series, has reached a running total of $558.8M after four weeks, showcasing the enduring popularity of the franchise. Similarly, It Ends with Us and Fathom Events’ Coraline 15th-anniversary re-release have also performed admirably, with solid box office numbers and positive reception from audiences. These examples highlight the importance of brand recognition and audience loyalty in the competitive film industry.
The recent box office previews and predictions offer a glimpse into the ever-changing landscape of the film industry. While some films struggle to make an impact and face disappointing opening weekends, others surprise industry experts with their resilience and appeal to audiences. As moviegoers continue to seek out diverse and engaging content, it becomes evident that successful films are those that can strike a balance between critical acclaim, audience satisfaction, and effective marketing strategies.