Fox attempts to corner the box office market with new installments of two very different franchises. First, the Prometheus sequel has been rebranded Alien: Covenant [PRME2] to become a more direct prequel to the 1979 classic Alien. Although Prometheus opened to $51 million in June 2012, the sci-fi film wa lambasted by critics and moviegoers. Ridley Scott [RSCOT] returns to direct the follow-up along with Michael Fassbender [MFASS], now playing dual android roles. Katherine Waterston [KWATE] takes on the Ridley-like lead who battles against a new set of xenomorphs. Fans were disappointed by Prometheus, so it may take excellent buzz to entice them back. Unfortunately, the R-rated film has already opened overseas to mixed reviews. Alien: Covenant may capture $41 million from 3760 locations.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 [GOTG2] is decline 50% in its third weekend to around $33 million, which could be enough to retain the top spot should Alien: Covenant falter.
Fox targets families with young children with Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul [WIMP4], a reboot of the popular series featuring a new cast. Five years have passed since Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days debuted with $14.6 million. That was a series low after the first two films opened above $20 million. Many of those who saw the first 3 films are now too old to revisit the PG rated comedy. The Long Haul will need to attract a new audience. Playing in 3157 theaters, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul could bring in $10 million.
Meanwhile, the PG-13 rated romance Everything, Everything [EVRYT] targets young females. Nick Robinson [NROBI] and Amandla Stenberg [ASTEN] are not household names, so Warner Bros. need to market extra hard to reach moviegoers outside the book adaptation’s fanbase. Showing in 2801 theaters, Everything, Everything may take home $9 million.
Films targeted at women usually have great second weekend holds. However, Snatched [MTDTR] got an extra boost from Mother’s Day on Sunday. Snatched is likely to tumble 50% to $8 millions
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): PRME2, RSCOT, MFASS, KWATE, GOTG2, WIMP4, EVRYT, NROBI, ASTEN, MTDTR