The 2019 blockbuster season gets supersized with the arrival of Godzilla: King of Monsters [GODZ2]. Classic Japanese monsters Rodan, Mothra, King Ghidorah and more are now CG recreations in the PG-13 rated sequel. The May 2014 reboot of Godzilla opened to $93 million, but had no legs. Many are unlikely to return for the sequel, which has gotten worse reviews. So Warner Bros. has been giving more and more of the battles away in order to appeal to monster movie fans. Advance ticket sales are pacing ahead of Kong: Skull Island, which debuted with $61 million in March 2017. Attacking 4108 theaters, Godzilla: King of Monsters may knock down $66 million.
After its better than expected debut, Aladdin [ALADN] should continue to attract female moviegoers as well as families. Aladdin should conjure up about $45 million in its second session.
Taron Egerton [TEGER] stars as Elton John in Rocketman [RCKTM], which Paramount is marketing as a musical fantasy rather than a straight-up biopic. The film premiered at Cannes to critical acclaim. However, its R-rating and gay sex may keep Rocketman from reaching the $51 million debut of the PG-13 rated Bohemian Rhapsody. Playing in 3610 theaters, Rocketman may dance away with $33 million.
Octavia Spencer [OSPEN] toplines Ma [MA], the latest psychological thriller from Blumhouse. The very effective trailer for the R-rated Ma should resonate with its target audience. Ma could take in $19 million from 2808 locations.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum [WICK3] looks to round out the top five with another $14 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): GODZ2, ALADN, TEGER, RCKTM, OSPEN, MA, WICK3