For over a decade, Hollywood has been trying to make Ryan Reynolds [RREYN] happen, and now, Deadpool [DEADP] will finally make him a star. He first played the character in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. However, that bastardized, PG-13 rated version bare little resemblance to the foul-mouthed superhero found in his Marvel Comics. Fan reaction to a leaked concept trailer finally convinced Fox to produce the R-rated superhero movie. Deadpool has long been a fan-favorite as seen in the numerous cosplays at conventions. Early reactions to the film have been phenomenal and lighting up social media. Advance ticket sales are pacing ahead of Antman’s $57.2 million 3-day debut. The merc with a mouth should get a boost from the long holiday weekend that includes Valentines’ Day on Sunday. Breaking into 3558 theaters, Deadpool may load up $76 million over the 4-day weekend.
Nearly 15 years after Zoolander became a cult hit, Ben Stiller [BSTIL] finally makes the sequel Zoolander 2 [ZOOL2] along with Owen Wilson [OWILS] and Will Ferrell [WFERR]. Paramount hopes the PG-13 rated comedy appeal to nostalgic fans in the same way manner as Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues. However, reviews have not been kind, and young millennials are more likely to check out Deadpool. Hitting 3394 theaters, Zoolander 2 may nab $26 million over the long President's Day weekend.
The R-rated comedy How to be Single [HTBSN] targets young women, some of whom New Line hope will drag their boyfriends for Valentine’s Day. Dakota Johnson [DJOHN] and Rebel Wilson [WBWIL] star in what looks like a cruder version of Sex and the City. How to be Single may notch $19 million from 3343 theaters.
Even with a lack of competition. Kung Fu Panda 3 [PAND3] fell nearly 50% in its second weekend. The holiday weekend looks to bring in another $15 million.
Despite the starpower, Hail, Caesar! [HAILC] didn’t meet audience expectations and received a lowly CinemaScore of C-. The black comedy could salvage $8 million over the long weekend.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): RREYN, DEADP, BSTIL, ZOOL2, OWILS, WFERR, HTBSN, DJOHN, PAND3, HAILC