Disney becomes the latest major studio to try a day-n-date release strategy. The PG-rated animated film Raya and the Last Dragon [RAYAD] will simultaneously open in theaters and be available for streaming on Disney+ for an additional $30. While the biggest theater chain AMC will show Raya, the 3rd largest Cinemark will not. The 2nd largest Regal remains completely shut. New York and the San Francisco Bay Area reopening theaters should help the Asian-themed fantasy, which has earned rave reviews. As Tom & Jerry demonstrated, families will turn out despite the pandemic and a streaming option at home. Showing in 2045 theaters, Raya and the Last Dragon could slay $14.0 million.
Even with competition from Raya, Tom & Jerry [TMJRY] could hold better than 55% of its opening for a $8.0 million sophomore session.
After years of delay and bad buzz, Chaos Walking [CHAOW] finally arrive in theaters. Lionsgate paired up Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley with expectations of a new dystopian sci-fi franchise. Unfortunately, the PG-13 rated film turned out to be a mess unsalvageable even with reshoots. Chaos Walking may take home $6 million from 1980 locations.
Restauranteur Eddie Huang makes his directorial debut with Boogie [BOOGE] about a Chinese-American growing up in New York with dreams of playing basketball in the NBA. Taylor Takahashi makes his acting debut in the lead role while the late rapper Pop Smoke lends some starpower. Playing in 1242 theaters, Boogie could score $2.0 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): RAYAD, TMJRY, CHAOW, BOOGE