As Disney announced its takeover of Fox today, its franchise MVP Star Wars: The Last Jedi [STAR8] is poised to devour the box office this weekend. Episode 8 in the Skywalker saga features the original Star Wars hero Luke, played by Mark Hamill, who appeared briefly at the very end of Episode 7: The Force Awakens. Daisy Ridley [DRIDL] and Adam Driver [ADRIV] reprise their roles as Rey and Kylo Ren from that film as practitioners of the Force. The late Carrie Fisher makes her last appearance as Leia leads the Resistance against the First Order. Rian Johnson [RJOHN] took over as director and made the longest Star Wars film at over two and a half hours. Reviews indicate he has crafted an excellent follow-up that will please the enormous fanbase. Star Wars: The Force Awakens shattered box office records with its $248 million opening 2 years ago. The demand for Episode 7 had been pent up for 32 years since Episode 6 – Return of the Jedi, and for at least 10 years since the last Star Wars movie, Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith. The Last Jedi comes just two years after The Force Awakens and just one year after the spinoff prequel Rogue One, which opened with $155 million. With the Disney hype machine in overdrive, the buzz and word of mouth will only build through the weekend. Blasting into 4232 theaters, Star Wars: The Last Jedi could consume $226 million.
Ferdinand [FERDN] hopes to get a start on the holiday season even if it means opening opposite the biggest movie of the year. John Cena [JCENA] voices the animated bull who does not want to fight in the ring. Unfortunately, most parents would still take their children to see the PG-13 rated Star Wars rather than Fox’s PG-rated family film. Billed in 3621 theaters, Ferdinand could steer $23 million.
With two new competitors in its fourth weekend, Coco [DDLM] looks to decline to about $10 million.
With excellent buzz, The Disaster Artist [DSART] should be able to hold 60% for $4 million in its second weekend of wide release.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): STAR8, DRIDL, ADRIV, RJOHN, FERDN, JCENA, DDLM, DSART