Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s latest entry, “Dog Man,” has generated significant buzz, raking in $1.36 million during its preview screenings. This figure is particularly noteworthy when compared to the preview performances of other recent animated films such as “The Bad Guys” which opened with $1.15 million and “Trolls Band Together” at $1.3 million. Analysts suggest that “Dog Man” is on track to be one of the first major box office hits of the year, potentially exceeding the $20 million mark upon its official opening.
Recent tracking data released by Quorum indicates a remarkable increase in audience awareness for “Dog Man.” Just a fortnight ago, projections placed it behind “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” which managed to open at $23 million. However, the current tracking shows that awareness and interest levels for “Dog Man” have surged. This growth raises the question — could the film reach a substantial opening weekend of $30 million? Given the favorable trends, a competitive performance seems possible.
The film’s strongest demographic appears to be parents under the age of 35, who are the most likely to attend the cinema with their children. Moreover, audience responses have been overwhelmingly positive, as shown by a strong 4.5 stars rating in the Screen Engine/Comscore PostTrak exits. The movie is set to screen in 3,885 theaters across the country, further cementing its presence in the box office landscape.
In contrast, New Line Cinema’s horror film “Companion” is also gaining traction, boasting an impressive four-star rating on PostTrak, and a staggering 94% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Critical acclaim has propelled the film to a remarkable 95% certified fresh rating. However, projections suggest it may open lower than expected, with forecasts estimating box office earnings between $8 million and $11 million.
“Companion” initiated Thursday previews at 3 PM, accumulating $1.1 million with a final tally of $1.7 million, which included additional mystery screenings that occurred earlier in the week. Analysts from Quorum note that this film faced an uphill battle not long ago; just three weeks prior, it was anticipated to open below $5 million. The substantial jump in interest can be credited to the ramp-up of the promotional campaign, which effectively tripled audience awareness.
When examining potential comparisons, it’s relevant to note previous R-rated horror films. For instance, Universal’s “Violent Night” garnered $1.1 million in previews, leading to a $13.4 million opening in 2022. Similarly, “Night Swim” and “Wolf Man” had comparable starts with $1.45 million and $1.4 million grossed in previews, respectively. The standout in this genre, “M3GAN,” kicked off with a solid $2.75 million in previews before storming into a $30.4 million debut weekend, showcasing the audience’s penchant for engaging horror content.
The impending competition between “Dog Man” and “Companion” reveals a dynamic year for animated and horror films alike. As both sectors vie for audience engagement, the current box office metrics indicate a promising landscape filled with potential hits. A successful opening for “Dog Man” could solidify its franchise potential, while “Companion’s” ability to defy initial skepticism may signal a shift in audience preferences towards quality horror experiences.
As we observe these developments, the upcoming weekends might serve as a litmus test for what types of stories captivate today’s movie-goers, shedding light on emerging trends in the entertainment industry.