As the summer blockbuster season comes to a close, Disney is expected to maintain its dominance at the box office. With the release of 20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus,” Disney is projected to secure the number one spot for the ninth time this summer. “Alien: Romulus” is expected to edge out Deadpool & Wolverine’s fifth weekend, with a projected $18 million compared to $17 million. The film has already amassed a running box office total of $50.6 million through Tuesday.
New Contenders and Holdovers
Despite the release of three new studio-wide entries, including “Blink Twice” directed by Zoe Kravitz and starring Channing Tatum, it is anticipated that holdover films will continue to reign at the box office. Sony/Wayfarer Studios’ “It Ends with Us,” a romantic drama directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively, is poised to become Lively’s highest-grossing movie domestically. The film is expected to earn around $13 million, surpassing her previous film “Green Lantern.”
Late August Reality Check
While some may expect the summer box office to overindex in late August, the reality is that many moviegoers are transitioning back to school and work routines. Comscore reports that 33% of K-12 students are back in school, with 58% of college students returning as well. This shift in schedule impacts movie attendance and may result in lower box office numbers for new releases.
Amazon MGM Studios’ “Blink Twice” starring Channing Tatum has generated some buzz ahead of its release. The thriller, directed by Zoe Kravitz, follows the story of tech billionaire Slater King who invites a cocktail waitress to his private island. The film also features a star-studded cast including Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat, and Geena Davis. Despite positive reviews from critics, the film is not expected to achieve blockbuster opening numbers.
In addition to “Blink Twice,” Lionsgate is set to release a reboot of “The Crow” starring Bill Skarsgård. The film, based on the original graphic novel, follows the story of soulmates Eric and Shelly who seek revenge after being brutally murdered. Sony also has “The Forge,” a faith-based film directed by Alex Kendrick, hitting theaters. The movie follows Isaiah, a recent high school graduate navigating his future.
Overall, the summer box office landscape is a blend of holdovers, new releases, and unexpected surprises. While some films are poised to perform well, others may struggle to find their audience amidst a shifting moviegoing landscape. As the season comes to a close, it will be interesting to see which films emerge as box office winners and which ones fall short of expectations.