Sony is making a bold move to capture the attention of the underserved female moviegoing audience by releasing Apple Original Films’ romantic comedy “Fly Me to the Moon.” Directed by Greg Berlanti and written by Rose Gilroy, the film stars A-listers Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson. The plot revolves around a sassy ad executive, played by Johansson, who finds herself collaborating with the U.S. government to devise a contingency plan for NASA’s 1969 moon landing. Along the way, she forms a bond with a launch director portrayed by Tatum.
Despite the star power and unique storyline of “Fly Me to the Moon,” the film is projected to have a modest opening weekend with a projected $12 million in ticket sales. While it has garnered positive reviews, currently holding a 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it still slightly lags behind the George Clooney-Julia Roberts starrer “Ticket to Paradise,” which debuted with $16.5 million in the fall of 2022.
Competition and Theater Count
With a theater count of 3,300 screens and some premium large format showings, “Fly Me to the Moon” faces stiff competition from other major releases. Illumination/Universal’s “Despicable Me 4” is expected to retain the top spot in its second weekend with an estimated $33 million in box office receipts. On the other hand, Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” is poised to outperform “Fly Me to the Moon” in its fifth weekend with around $18 million, solidifying its position as one of the highest-grossing animated films domestically.
Other Releases
In addition to “Fly Me to the Moon,” another notable release hitting theaters is the R-rated genre film “Longlegs,” helmed by director Oz Perkins and starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe. Despite opening in approximately 2,500 theaters, “Longlegs” has generated buzz with its intriguing marketing campaign and positive critical reception, boasting a 93% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film follows an FBI agent investigating a serial killer case that leads her down a dark path involving the occult.
“Fly Me to the Moon” is part of a trio of films obtained by Sony under a distribution deal with Apple Original Films, signaling the studio’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of cinematic experiences. By aligning with high-profile projects like “Fly Me to the Moon” and securing distribution rights for upcoming releases, Sony aims to solidify its position in the competitive landscape of the film industry. With a focus on capturing the attention of female audiences and delivering quality content, Sony’s strategic partnerships and innovative marketing campaigns could pave the way for continued success in the market.