The partnership between Sony and Disney’s Marvel Studio reaches its apex with Spider-Man: Far From Home [SPID8]. The third stand-alone Spider-Man movie starring Tom Holland not only brings over Doctor Strange and others from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also characters like Green Goblin, Doc Ock and Electro from Sony’s previous iterations of Spider-Man movies. Fans are even expecting to see the return of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, which have been rumored since the reveal of the multiverse storyline. Hype and buzz on the PG-13 rate sequel are through the roof and so are advance ticket sales. Comparisons with Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker and Avengers: Endgame indicate an opening weekend well over $200 million. However, films like No Time to Die and Eternals also had strong presales only for walk up admissions to fall short. More moviegoers are reserving tickets in advance due to the pandemic and theater requirements. On the other hand, fans who don't want to be spoiled will be rushing out opening weekend. Playing in 4336 theaters, Spider-Man: Far From Home could score $200 million.
Encanto [ENCNT] looks to cross $80 million with a fourth weekend at about $6.8 million.
After a disappointing first dance, West Side Story [WSDST] may be able hold 60% for a second weekend around $6.3 million.
The weekend’s other wide release is the R-rated thriller Nightmare Alley [NMALY], director Guillermo del Toro’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning film in 2017. Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett star in the remake of a 1947 film, which has received positive reviews. However, the target audience of older adults are not returning to theaters at pre-pandemic levels. Given only 2145 theaters by Searchlight, Nightmare Alley may pick up $7.0 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): SPID8, ENCNT, WSDST, NMALY