With movie theaters reopening across the country and new films debuting in wide release, the Box Office Whisperer is back with HSX's weekly box office forecast. However, theaters remained closed in some states, notably California, New Jersey and New York which collectively account for more than 20% of the domestic box office. Theaters that are open have limited seating capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the risks, a segment of the population is eager to head back to the big screen.
Disney is the first major studio to test the pandemic landscape with The New Mutants [NMUTN], which was acquired in the Fox deal. More horror movie than superhero actioner, The New Mutants sat on the shelf for more than two years and is only getting a theatrical release due to contractual obligations. The PG-13 rated film looks to attract the most faithful comic book fans. Appearing in 2412 theater, The New Mutants could summon $6.5 million.
Solstice Studios looks to expand Unhinged [UNHNG] to 2300 theaters from 1823 last weekend. The Russell Crowe vehicle could hit $2.5 million in its second weekend.
Nearly 20 years after Bogus Journey, Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter return in another sequel Bill & Ted Face the Music [BILL3]. Due to the pandemic, Orion decided to debut the PG-13 rated comedy simultaneously on PVOD, which will seriously dent its box office potential. A lack of reviews may also indicate a lack of quality. Dialing up 1007 theaters, Bill & Ted Face the Music may collect $1.5 million.
Disney has a second wide opener with Searchlight’s The Personal History of David Copperfield [PHODC]. Dev Patel stars as the title character created by Charles Dickens. The PG-rated period comedy has earned rave reviews since premiering at the Toronto Film Festival a year ago. Although the film is getting 1360 theaters, the target markets of NY and LA are shut out. The Personal History of David Copperfield could settle for $1 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): NMUTN, UNHNG, BILL3, PHODC