With big blockbusters like James Gunn’s Superman and Universal’s dinosaur films grabbing the spotlight, smaller films face tough competition. Paramount Animation’s reboot of the Smurfs, featuring Rihanna as Smurfette, and Sony’s revival of I Know What You Did Last Summer may struggle to shine in this crowded market.
Despite this, the box office still has room for all kinds of films, and as this summer has shown, every dollar counts in cinema.
Superman is projected to make around $60 million in its second weekend, a dip of about 52%. It had a strong start with over $155 million in its first five days, ranking sixth for superhero movies in their opening Tuesdays. The film has kept all its premium large format (PLF) and IMAX screens this weekend, which is crucial for its continued success.
The Smurfs’ Comeback
Paramount acquired the Smurfs rights in mid-2020 from IMPS and LAFIG Belgium. Before this, Sony produced three animated films that grossed over $1.1 billion globally. The new Smurfs movie is expected to open between $12 million at around 3,300 theaters. However, it’s a tough sell, especially with current competition like Trolls Band Together and The Garfield Movie.
Historically, the Smurfs franchise might have fared better in the pre-streaming era. The original film debuted in 2011 with a whopping $35.6 million and continued to earn much more. In contrast, its last installment in 2017 opened to just $13.2 million and performed poorly overall.
The Horror Comeback
On the horror side, Sony’s remake of I Know What You Did Last Summer is expected to open between $13 million and $17 million at 3,100 theaters. The original film, which featured stars like Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr., had a domestic opening of $15.8 million and made a substantial profit overall. This new version must capture the attention of the same fans who loved the original, including bringing back some familiar faces.
The Rise of Eddington
In addition to these familiar franchises, A24’s Eddington, directed by Ari Aster, is debuting with expectations under $5 million. This film, featuring big names like Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, tackles contemporary issues through a socio-political lens set during the pandemic. It’s an unusual mix of comedy and commentary that might attract niche audiences.
Current Trends and Audience Reactions
Critics are mixed on these new releases. As of now, both Smurfs and I Know What You Did Last Summer have less-than-favorable scores on Rotten Tomatoes, which could impact their box office performance.
Overall, it seems that while Superman and big-budget films attract massive audiences, there’s still a segment of moviegoers eager to see nostalgic revivals and new stories. Social media chatter suggests that audiences are divided: some are excited for more reboots, while others crave original content. New data from a recent survey shows that 68% of moviegoers are more willing to try new and unique films rather than remakes.
In a rapidly changing cinematic landscape, the resilience and adaptability of these films will be key to their success now and in the future.
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Eddington,I Know What You Did Last Summer,Smurfs,Superman