Box Office Update: ‘Snow White’ Shines with $16 Million Opening Day, While ‘Alto Knights’ Fails to Impress

Disney’s “Snow White” has made quite a splash at the box office, bringing in $16 million during its opening weekend from previews across 4,200 theaters. With projections suggesting it could exceed $45 million by the end of the weekend, it’s shaping up to be one of the top debuts this year, trailing only behind “Captain America: Brave New World.” However, with a hefty production budget over $250 million, “Snow White” must perform exceptionally well to be considered profitable.

Historically, Disney has seen varied success with its live-action adaptations. For instance, “Mufasa: The Lion King” managed to gather momentum, opening with $35 million but ultimately grossing over $700 million globally. In contrast, “Dumbo,” released in 2019, had a more disappointing run; while it opened at $45 million, it only reached a total of $353 million worldwide. The challenge is clear: “Snow White” needs to resonate with audiences more like “Mufasa” did, especially without the holiday rush that benefited the former film.

Interestingly, while critics have given “Snow White” mixed reviews, audiences seem more receptive. Pollster CinemaScore awarded the film a “B+,” suggesting that those who attended screenings generally enjoyed it, despite the online debates swirling around its content.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. struggled with the release of “The Alto Knights,” featuring Robert De Niro. It earned a dismal $1.17 million from its Friday and preview screenings. This film, much like the recent “Mickey 17,” struggled to attract a large audience despite star power and notable directors. Unlike “Mickey 17,” which faced budget concerns, “The Alto Knights” has a more manageable production cost of $45 million. However, it seems audiences are simply uninterested.

Reactions to “Alto Knights” are mixed, with a “B” rating from CinemaScore highlighting that it didn’t create much excitement. As the month advances, Warner Bros. looks ahead to the upcoming “Minecraft Movie,” hoping for better fortune.

As for other films in the current box office race, Focus Features’ spy thriller “Black Bag” is in second place but is projected to see a 43% drop in ticket sales, totaling around $14.8 million after 10 days. Disney’s “Captain America: Brave New World” remains strong, nearing $190 million domestically.

In more niche horror, RLJE and Shudder’s “Ash,” set on an alien planet, launched with a modest $333,000 from its first day, while the delayed drama “Magazine Dreams” featuring Jonathan Majors also opened to similar numbers.

Tracking the box office these days highlights a complex interaction between audience preferences, critical reviews, and production budgets. The changing dynamics of what people want to see in theaters continue to shape the landscape. What’s also fascinating is the growing influence of social media, where viewers engage passionately about films, impacting public perception long before some may even enter the theater.

For more insights and ongoing updates on the latest in cinema and box office performances, check out sources like Variety and Deadline.

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