The previews for Zoë Kravitz’s thriller, Blink Twice, and Lionsgate/Edward R. Pressman’s The Crow did not generate much buzz, with Blink Twice bringing in $820K and The Crow only managing $650K. Both films are projected to have lackluster single-digit openings, which is disappointing considering the star power and critical acclaim associated with Blink Twice, boasting Channing Tatum and a 78% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite favorable reviews, Blink Twice only received three stars from PostTrak audiences and a tepid 50% definite recommend. In contrast, The Crow received a dismal one-star rating. It is worrying that The Crow might receive a D+ CinemaScore, a troubling indicator of audience reception. Initial tracking suggests Blink Twice could make $10M-$13M during its opening weekend, which falls short of expectations.
On a brighter note, Sony Affirm’s faith-based film, The Forge, seems to be resonating with audiences, garnering five stars and an 88% definite recommend. The film made a commendable $600K on Thursday night and is showing promise with its modest budget of $5M before P&A. Sony has a successful track record with faith-based films, demonstrated by the 2015 Labor Day hit War Room, which grossed nearly $68M. However, it remains to be seen if The Forge can replicate that success.
The box office battle this weekend is likely to be dominated by two Disney offerings, Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine. Alien: Romulus is expected to outperform Deadpool & Wolverine, with projections of $18M to $17M. Alien: Romulus has accumulated $56.3M by the end of the week, indicating strong performance. Fede Alvarez’s space horror film has shown promise with $2.6M on Thursday, edging out Marvel Studios’ superhero movie, which earned $2.5M. While Alien: Romulus’ first week marks an improvement from Alien: Covenant in 2017, it falls short of the heights reached by Prometheus in 2012. The Forge, though lacking reviews, has a perfect score on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcorn Meter, suggesting potential for box office success.
As the box office landscape continues to evolve, films like D&W and It Ends with Us are maintaining steady performance. D&W has reached a running total of $558.8M after four weeks, trailing behind the success of Barbie from last summer. It Ends with Us, from Sony and Wayfarer Studios, has earned $35.2M in its second week, with a running total of $108.9M. Additionally, Fathom Events’ Coraline 15th anniversary has grossed $1.3M on its first week, showcasing the enduring appeal of certain films. Laika’s movie lifetime cume stands at an impressive $101.4M.
The weekend box office presents a mix of underperforming titles and standout performers, with Disney’s dominance looming large. The industry continues to witness evolving trends and audience preferences, highlighting the need for studios to adapt and innovate to secure success in an increasingly competitive landscape.