September closes out with a pair of special effects-laden films targeted at different demographics. Fox goes after the younger crowd with the fantasy Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children [PRGRN]. Director Tim Burton [TBURT] has turned the popular photo book into a superhero movie not unlike the X-Men with Eva Green [EGREE] as the Professor X-like title character. The PG-13 rated film will also appeal to older Burton fans. Advanced ticket sales are pacing ahead of the Mazer Runner films, both of which debuted at more than $30 million. Playing in 3522 theaters, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children could admit $30 million.
Deepwater Horizon [DPWTH] reunites Mark Wahlberg [MWAHL] with director Peter Berg [PEBER], whose last collaboration The Lone Survivor opened $37.9 million. Lionsgate must be hoping for similar success as the PG-13 rated disaster film reportedly cost over $150 million. Unfortunately, an oil rig explosion that devastated the environment is in no way inspirational compared to American soldiers. Booked in 3259 theaters, Deepwater Horizon may tap $20 million.
Despite its pedigree, The Magnificent Seven [MAGN7] couldn’t breakout of its western genre. The remake may lose 50% of its opening for a second weekend of $17 million.
Storks [STORK] failed to match the opening of animated comedies from more established studios. Storks could tail off 40% to $13 million.
After what seemed like endless release date changes, Relativity will finally drop Masterminds [LOMIS]. The PG-13 rated comedy boasts an impressive cast led by Zach Galifinakis [ZGALI] and Kristen Wiig [KWIIG]. However, reviews are mixed at best and moviegoers equate the long delay as a sign of trouble. Masterminds may get away with $7 million from 3042 locations.
Disney expands Queen of Katwe [KATWE] wide into 1242 theaters after bringing in $0.3 million from 52 theaters last weekend. The inspirational story has earned rave reviews, but David Oyelowo [OYELO] and Lupita Nyong'o [LNYON] are unproven draws. Queen of Katwe could capture $3.5 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): PRGRN, TBURT, EGREE, DPWTH, MWAHL, PEBER, MAGN7, STORK, LOMIS, ZGALI, KWIIG, KATWE, LNYON