Even as the start of blockbuster season moved up to late April, Disney has continued to plant one of its tentpole over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Aladdin [ALADN] is their latest animated classic to get the live-action remake treatment. Will Smith [WSMIT] stars as the genie made famous by the late Robin Williams, while newcomers Mena Massoud [MMASS] and Naomi Scott [NSCOT] play Aladdin and Jasmine. Guy Ritchie [GRITC] seemed like an odd choice to direct the PG-rated musical and mixed reviews have bore that out. Nevertheless, the soundtrack is filled with classic songs including the Oscar-winning “A Whole New World” that should bring out fans of the 1992 animated film along with their children. Showing in 4476 theaters, Aladdin could rub out $100 million over the long weekend.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum [WICK3] will remain the first choice for older male action fans. The previous two Wick films held better than 53% during their second weekend. Factoring in the extra holiday, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum should tally $34 million through Monday.
Sony targets horror fans with the R-rated Brightburn [BBURN] produced by James Gunn. The Superman origin story turned evil could also appeal to comic book fans who don’t want to rewatch Avengers: Endgame. Playing in 2607 theaters, Brightburn could nab $13 million over the 4-day weekend.
The R-rated comedy Booksmart [BKSMR] is marketed as the female version of Superbad down to Beanie Feldstein [BFELD] playing her brother Jonah Hill’s role. The Annapurna/United Artist release has earned rave reviews from critics, though the lesbian angle may not appeal to mainstream moviegoers. Booksmart may hit $12 million from 2505 theaters.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): ALADN, WSMIT, MMASS, NSCOT, GRITC, WICK3, BBURN, BKSMR, BFELD