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Not necessarily, but maybe (great non-answer answer, I know). Presales are geared toward fans to begin with, while social buzz is usually
representative of overall interest. Things did slow down a bit early-to-mid week, but it wasn't enough of a signal to suggest it was going to miss every expectation out there -- even the studio's, which is usually a good barometer for a low-end expectation (more often than not, anyway).
I'm definitely not writing off other reasons as to why this underperformed, though. But as we suggested in our Friday analysis earlier, this is the kind of movie that can easily be affected by a depressed national mood. Movies are about escapism for many casual audiences, and a sci-fi movie set in a bleak future isn't very escapist -- especially in the world we live in right now.
It feels a bit callous to even bring that up as a reason/excuse, but IMHO, it's more constructive to the conversation than some of the subjective opinions about the movie itself floating around.
FWIW, I have no dog in the race. Haven't seen 2049 yet and have only seen the original twice in my entire life. I'm far from the fan boy crowd on this one, which is one reason I'm stunned it opened so far below the benchmark.
It's getting worse...THR: Blade Runner 2049 Crashing With $30M-$35M Debut Oct 07, 08:42
nah. it's just overlong and boring {nm} Oct 07, 08:49
That doesn't help if not enough people want to watch the film in the first place. {nm} Oct 07, 09:10
yes. ( I think MGM is smart to move "Death Wish" to 2018) {nm} Oct 07, 09:11
there's no logical connection between the two things {nm} Oct 07, 09:25
nope, most moviegoers don't care about a 35 year old box office flop {nm} Oct 07, 09:07
of course they do. Blade Runner is the most influential sci-fi movie post-Star Wars. {nm} Oct 07, 09:31
They really don't. {nm} Oct 07, 09:33
Nope, the original was terrible and boring just like 2049 is boring and terrible. {nm} Oct 07, 10:25
Wouldn't the effect of the shooting have shown up in the pre-sales and "social buzz" metrics? {nm} Oct 07, 17:08
Not necessarily, but maybe (great non-answer answer, I know). Presales are geared toward fans to begin with, while social buzz is usually Oct 07, 17:26
Thanks for elevating the discussion with your insights today. {nm} Oct 07, 17:46
even mike255 couldn't make this argument and keep a straight face {nm} Oct 07, 17:45
Mike who? {nm} Oct 07, 23:14
Antifa and the news cycle has everybody staying away from "Soft Targets" from theaters to churches to parades. {nm} Oct 07, 21:13
Very pleased to see this, audiences not being fooled by pretentious, boring BS. {nm} Oct 07, 10:26