16 years after Hollywood first tried to adapt the Japanese monster film, Godzilla [GODZL] finally roars back with a another remake. Although Roland Emmerich’s version was 1998's biggest opening at $44 million ($74.8 million adjusted for inflation), moviegoers widely panned the Jurassic Park-wannabe featuring a giant iguana. The latest Godzilla harkens back to the look of the Japanese original, albeit at a significantly larger size. Bryan Cranston [BCRAN], Aaron Johnson [AJOHN] and Elizabeth Olsen [EOLSE] lead the cast, but the King of Monsters is the main attraction. Warner Bros. offered the first little glimpse at Comic-Con last July and the marketing campaign along with buzz has built up steadily ever since. The trailers have done such a fantastic job of teasing the monster(s) and their epic showdown that some moviegoers may end up disappointed that the star doesn’t really show up until near the end. Advance tickets sales are doubled Pacific Rim ($37M), ahead of World War Z ($66M) as well as Thor: The Dark World ($86 million). Rampaging into 3952 theaters, Godzilla could destroy $76 million.
After its opening weekend rager, Neighbors [NEIBR] will continue to make noise. With its surprising wide appeal that includes older woman, Neighbors should hold better than 50% for about $27 million in its second weekend.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [SPID5] is freefalling fast, and will be further stomped by Godzilla. The sequel may grab another $17 million on the way down.
Jon Hamm [JHAMM] toplines the feel-good sports movie Million Dollar Arm [MDARM] based on the true story of two aspiring baseball players from India. The PG-rated drama has tested really well and Disney sneaked the film last weekend to generate word of mouth. However, the film lacks starpower and Godzilla casts a large shadow this weekend. Starting 3019 theaters, Million Dollar Arm may strike up $16 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): GODZL, BCRAN, AJOHN, EOLSE, NEIBR, SPID5, JHAMM, MDARM