Three new films open in wide release this Independence Day weekend, but none are expected to provide fireworks typical of this summer holiday. Finding Dory [NEMO2] is showing little signs of slowing down as the Pixar sequel continues to put up strong daily numbers. Finding Dory could swim to another $46 million over the long 4-day weekend.
Director Steven Spielberg [SSPIE] teams up with Disney for The BFG [TBFG] based on the children’s book by Roald Dahl. The PG-rated family film boasts first-rate special effects, but lacks any recognizable stars. Despite positive reviews, the old-fashioned fantasy may be overshadowed by Disney’s own sensation Finding Dory. Descending upon 3357 theaters, The BFG may carry away $30 million.
The Purge: Election Year [PURG3] is the third and perhaps final installment in Universal’s low-cost, R-rated dystopian franchise. Frank Grillo [FGRIL] returns to help a female senator put an end to the annual event. The timely and topical story should resonate with its target audience. The Purge: Anarchy opened with $29.9 million two years ago, but expect some franchise fatigue. Canvassing 2796 theaters, The Purge: Election Year may tally $28 million.
After a less than stellar opening, Independence Day: Resurgence [IDAY2] could receive a bump over its namesake holiday weekend for around $24 million.
Hollywood attempts to resurrect another old cinematic property with The Legend of Tarzan [TARZN]. While some succeed like Sherlock Holmes, others bomb like The Lone Ranger. Warner Bros.' latest PG-13 rated version features Alexander Skarsgard [ASKAR] as Tarzan and Margot Robbie [MROBB] as Jane. Even with modern special effects, moviegoers weren't clamoring for a story told many times before. Swinging into 3561 theaters, The Legend of Tarzan may holler $22 million over the long weekend.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): NEMO2, SSPIE, TBFG, PURG3, FGRIL, IDAY2, TARZN, ASKAR, MROBB