Disney’s stronghold on the summer box office is set to continue with the anticipated success of 20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus. The film is projected to top the box office charts for the ninth time this summer, with estimates placing its fifth weekend earnings above other popular films like Deadpool & Wolverine.
As of Tuesday, Alien: Romulus has already raked in an impressive $50.6 million at the box office, solidifying its position as a strong contender for the top spot. In addition, It Ends with Us, a romantic drama from Sony/Wayfarer Studios, is expected to become Blake Lively’s highest-grossing film in the domestic market, surpassing her previous hit Green Lantern.
Despite the success of these films, industry experts predict that the three new studio releases scheduled to hit theaters will struggle to make an impact, with projected earnings in the single-digit millions. This raises questions about the overall performance of the summer season and whether it will outperform expectations.
The late August release date of these movies coincides with the back-to-school season, a time when many audiences are preoccupied with academic activities. According to Comscore, 33% of K-12 students are on break, while 58% of college students are also enjoying their summer vacations. These factors contribute to the challenging environment for new releases.
Amazon MGM Studios is set to unveil Blink Twice, a thriller directed by Zoe Kravitz and starring Channing Tatum. Despite positive reviews from critics, the film is not expected to match Tatum’s previous box office successes. Similarly, Lionsgate’s reboot of The Crow, featuring Bill Skarsgård, is anticipated to fall short of the original 1994 film’s opening numbers.
In Blink Twice, Tatum plays tech billionaire Slater King, who becomes entangled in a mysterious and dangerous situation with cocktail waitress Frida, played by Naomi Ackie. As Frida navigates a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind Slater’s private island, the suspense builds, promising audiences a thrilling experience.
Sony’s faith-based drama The Forge, directed by Alex Kendrick, follows the story of Isaiah, a young man who grapples with life decisions after graduating from high school. With a limited release in approximately 1,700 theaters, the film aims to explore themes of redemption and self-discovery in a heartfelt and poignant narrative.
Overall, as the summer season takes its final breath, moviegoers can expect a mix of genres and themes to grace the big screen. While Disney continues to lead the pack with its box office hits, the industry remains unpredictable, with new releases facing the challenge of capturing audience attention in a crowded landscape.