Disney is once again expected to dominate the box office this summer, with their film Alien: Romulus projected to lead the weekend with an estimated $18 million in earnings. This will mark the ninth time that Disney has claimed the number one spot this season. Starring Channing Tatum, Alien: Romulus has already raked in $50.6 million since its release, solidifying its position as a fan favorite.
Blake Lively’s Box Office Success
Another highlight of the summer box office is Blake Lively’s latest film, It Ends with Us. Directed by Justin Baldoni, this romantic drama is on track to become Lively’s highest-grossing movie in the domestic market, surpassing Green Lantern’s earnings of $116.6 million. With an expected haul of around $13 million, It Ends with Us is set to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storyline.
New Studio Offerings
Amidst the success of these holdovers, the summer box office will also see the release of three new studio films. While these entries are predicted to bring in single-digit millions, they are still expected to make an impact at the box office. However, with late August marking the end of summer and the beginning of back-to-school season, the overindexing trend that characterized earlier in the season may not hold up.
One of the new releases to watch out for is Blink Twice, directed by Zoe Kravitz and starring Channing Tatum. Despite the star power attached to the film, it is not expected to open with Tatum-sized numbers. The thriller follows the story of tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) and cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) as they navigate a series of unexpected events on a private island. With an ensemble cast and a suspenseful plot, Blink Twice has the potential to surprise audiences.
Another highly-anticipated release is the reboot of The Crow, featuring Bill Skarsgård in the lead role. While the original 1994 film opened to $11.7 million, the reboot is projected to debut with earnings between $6-9 million. Directed by Rupert Sanders, The Crow promises a gripping tale of revenge and redemption that will captivate viewers.
Faith-based Film from Sony
On a different note, Sony is set to release The Forge, a faith-based movie directed by Alex Kendrick. The film follows the story of Isaiah, a recent high school graduate who is faced with the challenge of making important life decisions. With a release in approximately 1,700 theaters, The Forge aims to connect with audiences on a spiritual level and inspire reflection on one’s life choices.
The summer box office is shaping up to be a diverse and engaging mix of films, with Disney maintaining its stronghold and new releases offering fresh perspectives and exciting storylines. As audiences flock to theaters to enjoy the latest offerings, it will be interesting to see which films emerge as box office hits and which ones face unexpected challenges.