The Presidents Day holiday weekend box office is about to be consumed by Black Panther [BPNTH], Disney’s latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Introduced in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, the African superhero gets his own stand-alone movie directed by Ryan Coogler [RCOOG]. In addition to the Marvel fanbase, the PG-13 rated movie will bring out audiences who have never seen a superhero movie. Chadwick Boseman [CBOSE] leads the predominantly black cast that has excited the African-American community like no films before. The pre-release buzz is through the roof, while advance ticket sales are exceeding all expectations. Black Panther is the best-selling superhero movie ever on Fandango outpacing Captain America: Civil War, which debuted with $179.1 million, as well as for a film released in the first quarter, outselling Beauty & the Beast, which opened to $174.8 million last March. Black Panther is poised to break multiple records, including Deadpool’s $132.4 million/$152.2 million from this 3/4-day holiday weekend last February. Pouncing 4020 theaters, Black Panther looks to swipe at least $190 million over the long weekend.
The family-friendly Peter Rabbit [PRABT] should hold well over the holiday weekend and dig up around $20 million.
With Valentine’s Day over, 50 Shades Freed [50SH3] will quickly lose steam. Last year, 50 Shades Darker dropped 51% in its second 4-day weekend. A similar drop-off would put 50 Shades Freed at $18.5 million.
The 15:17 to Paris [1517P] connected with its audience despite poor reviews. The drama could pull in another $8 million.
Lionsgate opens the Claymation animated Early Man [ERLYM] from Aardman Studio. Their last collaboration Shaun the Sheep debuted with just $4 million during August 2015. The PG-rated film will appeal more to hipsters who enjoy British humor than to families, who will opt for Peter Rabbit. Descending upon 2494 theaters, Early Man may iron out $6.5 million over the 4-day weekend.
Pure Flix targets Christians with the biblical epic Samson [SAMSN]. The PG-13 rated actioner could muscle up $3.5 million from 1249 locations.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): BPNTH, RCOOG, CBOSE, PRABT, 50SH3, 1517P, ERLYM, SAMSN