Paramount’s upcoming movie, If, starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by John Krasinski, is generating a lot of buzz in the entertainment industry. With an expected opening weekend of over $40 million on May 17th, this original film is already exceeding expectations for a non-holiday release in May.
The family-friendly PG rating of If has resonated well with parents, children, and the 17-34 age group, particularly with female audiences. This broad appeal is a positive sign for the film’s potential success at the box office.
Three weeks prior to its release, If had a 16 unaided score in audience tracking, indicating a high level of interest from moviegoers without any external prompting. This level of anticipation surpasses that of other successful films like DreamWorks Animation/Universal’s Kung Fu Panda 4, which opened to $57.9 million.
Comparing If to previous PG-rated live-action original films, such as Marley & Me and National Treasure, it is clear that there is a demand for fresh and engaging storytelling in the industry. With Ryan Reynolds’ track record of launching successful original films like Free Guy, Paramount is poised for another hit.
In addition to If, other films like Focus Features’ Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black, and Lionsgate’s horror movie The Strangers: Chapter One are also generating excitement. These movies are eyeing strong opening weekends and will be crucial in setting the tone for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The success of If and other upcoming releases demonstrates the enduring appeal of original storytelling in Hollywood. With talented actors, directors, and producers at the helm, audiences can look forward to a diverse lineup of entertaining and engaging films in the coming months.