While the Marvel superhero sequel did not set any box office records, Iron Man 2 [IRNM2] still soared with a $128 million debut. Although the sequel scored well with moviegoers, most didn’t think it was better than the first Iron Man. Even if Iron Man 2 decline around 50%, the Paramount release should easily lock up first place with approximately $62 million.
Russell Crowe [RCROW] teamed up with director Ridley Scott [RSCOT] for the fifth time on yet another retelling of Robin Hood [RBNHD]. The period actioner cost a reportedly $230 million, not to mention the jobs of the studio heads at Universal. Today’s young moviegoers have shown little interest in the PG-13 rated historical epic, appealing only to the older male demographic. Taking aim in 3505 theaters, Robin Hood may hit a target around $37 million.
Amanda Seyfried [ASEYF] looks to carry a film on her own for the first time with Summit’s Letters to Juliet [LJULT]. The PG-rated breezy romance set mostly in Italy should bring out plenty of tween girls, as well as their mothers and grandmothers who may connect with the storyline involving Vanessa Redgrave [VREDG]. Opening in 2968 theaters, Letters to Juliet could deliver $18 million.
Ex-rappers Queen Latifah [QLATI] and Common [COMMN] paired up for the basketball-themed romance Just Wright [JUSTW]. Fox Searchlight has smartly released the PG-rated film in the heart of the NBA playoffs with its cross-promotional opportunities. Appealing primarily to the urban audience, Just Wright may score $9 million from 1803 locations.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): IRNM2, RCROW, RSCOT, RBNHD, ASEYF, LJULT, VREDG, QLATI, COMMN, JUSTW