The recent box office previews for Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice and The Crow from Lionsgate/Edward R. Pressman have shown disappointing numbers, with $820K and $650K in previews, respectively. Despite having Channing Tatum in the lead and receiving positive reviews at 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, Blink Twice seems to have failed to create significant buzz amongst audiences. The PostTrak ratings for the film were only three stars, with a 50% definite recommend rate. On the other hand, The Crow fared even worse, receiving only one star in audience ratings. This raises concerns about the potential performance of the films upon their official release, with predictions pointing to single-digit openings which may not be sufficient to make a mark at the box office.
In contrast to the underperforming entries, Sony Affirm’s faith-based film, The Forge, has garnered positive feedback from audiences. With a five-star rating and an 88% definite recommend rate, the film managed to attract moviegoers who spent $600K during Thursday night showtimes. The budget for The Forge was relatively low at $5M before marketing costs, indicating that the film may have a chance at commercial success despite facing tough competition at the box office. Previous successes of similar faith-based films, such as the Kendrick Brothers’ War Room, serve as examples of how well-received content in this genre can resonate with audiences and generate significant box office revenue.
The upcoming weekend is expected to be dominated by two Disney movies: Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine. Alien: Romulus is anticipated to have the edge over its competitor, with projected earnings of $18M compared to $17M for Deadpool & Wolverine. The performance of Alien: Romulus in its first week has shown promising results, with $56.3M grossed at 3,885 locations. Despite facing tough competition from the Marvel Studios movie, Alien: Romulus has managed to maintain a strong presence at the box office. Comparisons to previous entries in the Alien franchise, such as Alien: Covenant and Prometheus, provide context for gauging the success of the new installment and its potential for continued box office performance.
Box Office Trends and Longevity
Diving further into the box office landscape, we see notable performances from films such as D&W, It Ends with Us, and Coraline. D&W has maintained a strong presence, ending Week 4 with $42M and a running total of $558.8M. Despite falling short of last summer’s blockbuster Barbie, D&W has showcased its ability to attract audiences and generate substantial revenue over time. Similarly, It Ends with Us from Sony and Wayfarer Studios has demonstrated steady performance, ending its second week with $35.2M and a running total of $108.9M. Fathom Events’ Coraline 15th anniversary release has also been well-received, grossing $1.3M in its first week and reaching a running total of $19.1M at 1,535 locations. These trends indicate the diverse range of films captivating audiences and contributing to the overall success of the box office landscape.
The box office trends and audience reactions highlighted in recent previews and releases showcase the dynamic nature of the film industry. While some entries may struggle to make an impact, others surprise with their positive reception and commercial potential. The upcoming box office battles and the performance of ongoing releases provide insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cinema and audience preferences. As filmmakers continue to push boundaries and captivate viewers, the box office remains a reflection of the industry’s ability to innovate, entertain, and engage audiences on a global scale.