There was an expectation Star Trek Into Darkness would open somewhere in the $100 million range for its first four days at the box office. It managed $84 million instead, which was $6 million less than Laremy’s prediction for the three day alone, which ended up being only $70.5 million.
These are still solid numbers, and the film is already up to $164.6 million worldwide and the “A” CinemaScore would imply audiences will tell their friends to go see it and perhaps go see it again themselves. However, with a $190 million budget it’s got a lot of work to do. Is it possible the popularity of the first film is a bit overrated?
Star Trek 2 also has to deal with two new sequels next weekend for big budget franchises in The Hangover Part III and Fast & Furious 6. I’ve got to assume Paramount was really hoping for a bit more in their opening weekend before they begin sharing screens with two more sequels, not to mention Iron Man 3, which still managed to score $35.1 million this weekend and The Great Gatsby, which added another $23.4 million to its total.
Looking over reader predictions for Star Trek, which were light this weekend, it was M G and his $77 million prediction that takes the cake. I wonder, is no one interested in predicting box office alongside Laremy any longer?
The weekend’s other notable new release was Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig‘s Frances Ha, which opened in only four New York theaters and brought in $134,000, $33,500 per theater. The film is great so be on the lookout for it once it arrives in your neck of the woods.
Otherwise, like I said, next weekend sees the release of The Hangover Part III and Fast & Furious 6 along with Fox’s animated feature Epic, which already brought in $14.5 million from 16 markets this weekend and offers a little something for the kids.
Yes my friends, it’s going to be an absolute logjam at the box office. Which films will survive? Which films will sink? I’d love to hear your thoughts on next weekend and see any early predictions you may have.
