Only one new wide release is bold enough to open between the two biggest superhero franchises around. The fourth film in Fox’s animated series, Ice Age: Continental Drift [ICEA4] arrives one week after Spider-Man and one week ahead of Batman. The prehistoric mammals appeal to a different audience demographic by targeting families with young children. However, the PG-rated sequel will face residual competition from two previous 3D animated hits in Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted and Brave, which have already lightened the wallets of parents this summer. The first two Ice Age films opened during the spring to $46.3 million and $68 million respectively. The third film Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs was released on a Wednesday in July 2009 to a $41.7 million weekend and $66.7 million over its first five days. Though franchise fatigue could set in anytime, the wholesome themes of Ice Age remain popular with many parents. Opening in 3880 theaters, Ice Age: Continental Drift may thaw out $61 million.
The Amazing Spider-Man [SPID4] successfully restarted Sony’s superhero franchise. With word of mouth mixed especially amongst fans, the webcrawler could drop more than 45% to about $33 million.
Showing great legs at the box office, Ted [TED] looks to bank another $18 million in its third weekend.
Even with competition from Ice Age, Brave [BRAVE] should grab around $10 million to bring its total over $190 million and extend Pixar’s consecutive hit streak.
Savages [SAVAG] managed to appeal to adults of both sexes in its opening weekend. The actioner should hold better than 50% and stash another $9 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): ICEA4, SPID4, TED, BRAVE, SAVAG