Amazon MGM Studios' Challengers starring Zendaya has garnered attention with its $1.9 million in previews on Thursday. However, it fell short of Universal's Cocaine Bear by $100,000. The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, aims for a $15 million opening weekend. Despite receiving critical acclaim at 91% certified fresh, last night's audiences gave it a lukewarm reception with a rating of three stars on Screen Engine/Comscore's PostTrak. The demographics of the audience varied, with women over 25 and under 25 showing up, along with men over 25 who were likely accompanying their dates.
The original plan for Challengers was to debut in mid-September after a premiere at the Venice Film Festival, but due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the release was postponed to this weekend. The film's star power, particularly Zendaya's global popularity with her 184 million Instagram followers, has undoubtedly contributed to its buzz. Despite facing competition from other releases, Challengers continues to be a prominent title at the box office.
On the other hand, Lionsgate and Kingdom Story's Unsung Hero also made an impression with $1.67 million in previews. Directed by Joel Smallbone and Richard L. Ramsey, the faith-based film tells the story of David Smallbone, who achieves success in the music industry after relocating to the US with his family. Unsung Hero received positive feedback from early audiences, with an impressive 96% positive rating and an 86% definite recommendation. The demographic makeup of the audience skewed towards females, with a significant portion being over 55.
Boy Kills World
In comparison, Roadside Attractions' Boy Kills World had a more modest preview estimate of around $500,000. This Lionsgate sister label film, known for its action-packed content, acquired after a screening at TIFF Midnight, is expected to have a lower opening compared to other releases. Despite receiving mixed reviews, both from critics and audiences, Boy Kills World has generated some interest leading up to its full release.
Overall, the box office landscape presents a variety of options for moviegoers, ranging from romantic comedies like Challengers to faith-based dramas like Unsung Hero and adrenaline-filled action films like Boy Kills World. Each film brings its unique storytelling and cinematic experience to the table, catering to diverse audience preferences. As the weekend progresses, it will be interesting to see how these different titles fare in the competitive box office environment.