Two new distributors launch their very first release this weekend. However, Sony/Columbia is likely to prevail with the feature adaptation of The Dark Tower [DRKTW] starring Idris Elba [IELBA] and Matthew McConaughey [MMCCO]. The PG-13 rated film covers only a fraction of the Stephen King tome, with the rest of the story to be covered in a TV series as well as sequels. Unfortunately, The Dark Tower has had a troubled production and the final product clocks in at just 88 minutes. Sony held off screenings for critics until Wednesday night, knowing the reviews would trend negative. There are probably enough fans of the book to propel The Dark Tower to $22 million from 3451 theaters.
Although it repeated at the top, Dunkirk [DUNKR] saw its second weekend decline more than expected. Dunkirk looks to target $16 million during its third outing.
The Emoji Movie [EMOJI] found an audience despite the worst reviews of the year. The Angry Bird Movie fell 51% in its second weekend. A similar drop would put The Emoji Movie at $12 million.
Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow [KBIGE] chronicles a real life event during the 1967 civil unrest in Detroit [DETRT]. The R-rated drama is the first film distributed by Annapurna, which had previously been a production company thus far. Opening last weekend in 20 theaters, Detroit averaged $17K. However, that was a not well-publicized, last minute move. While Detroit has earned rave reviews, the subject matter may be a tough sell for mainstream moviegoers. Expanding to 3007 theaters, Detroit [DETRT] could deliver $12 million.
Originally scheduled for release December 2016 through Relativity, Kidnap [KDNAP] finally opens as the first release from brand new distributor Aviron. The R-rated thriller stars Halle Berry [HBERR] as a mother rescuing her abducted son by herself. Berry opened The Call to $17 million, but that was more than 4 years ago with Sony. Showing in 2378 theaters, Kidnap may find $5 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): DRKTW, IELBA, MMCCO, DUNKR, EMOJI, KBIGE, DETRT, KDNAP, HBERR