The long-awaited sequel to the Tim Burton-directed, Michael Keaton starring movie has exceeded expectations with an impressive $12M in both Wednesday and Thursday night previews. This figure is notably close to the $13.5M earned by 2017’s It, a film that went on to set the opening record for September with $123.4M. Additionally, it surpasses the $10.5M previews generated by It: Chapter Two in 2019, which holds the second-highest September opening with $91M. These numbers are according to sources close to the industry.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s preview earnings are on par with Dune: Part Two’s $12M, which included $4.5M from an Imax preshow. The Denis Villeneuve-directed movie eventually opened to $82.5M. The key difference between the two films is their audience demographics, with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice appealing more to female viewers, while Dune: Part Two attracted a predominantly male audience at 65%.
Despite strong competition, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s preview box office results also outshine Wonder Woman’s $11M preview earnings. There is anticipation for the Latino and Hispanic audience to show strong support for the film. Industry insiders predict that by the following morning, the movie featuring Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, and Catherine O’Hara will surpass current projections.
The Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice currently stands at a respectable 78% certified fresh, while the audience score is even higher at 87%. This positive reception is in line with the original 1988 film’s ratings on the platform, which also received an 82% from both critics and audiences. Tim Burton, known for his unique filmmaking style, has ventured into sequels sparingly throughout his career, with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice marking only his second sequel after 1992’s Batman Returns.
Domestically, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice boasts the widest release of the year, with screenings scheduled at 4,500 theaters, including premium formats such as Imax, ScreenX, 4DX, Dolby, Dbox, and PLFs. As the film continues its theatrical run, audiences can expect more updates on its performance and reception in the coming days.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has captivated audiences and critics alike with its strong preview performance, diverse appeal, and positive early reviews. The sequel’s success indicates a promising box office run and solidifies its place as one of the most anticipated films of the year.