The fall box office season is looking brighter than ever with the highly anticipated release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Warner Bros. is set to make up for their string of summer flops with the Tim Burton-directed sequel that is already generating buzz. The movie is eyeing a global start with estimates as high as $145 million, a refreshing change from the lackluster summer box office performance.
Strong Pre-Sales and Anticipation
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s pre-sales are reportedly ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, indicating a strong demand for tickets. The addition of Wednesday megastar Jenna Ortega to the cast, alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, has only heightened the excitement among fans. With an estimated domestic opening of $80 million, Warner Bros. is confident in the film’s potential to exceed expectations.
International Appeal and Release
The sequel is set to make its debut in 69 offshore markets, with an impressive 75% international footprint. Following its domestic release, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will premiere in Korea, Italy, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the UK. With a vast international audience eagerly awaiting the film, Warner Bros. is anticipating a strong showing globally.
Early reviews from the Venice world premiere have been positive, with 78% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes giving the film a fresh rating. Warner Bros. strategically launched the movie at the prestigious film festival to generate awareness, followed by a London red carpet event and a fan meet-and-greet in Mexico City. While the nostalgia factor may attract long-time fans of the original, it remains to be seen how new audiences will respond to the cult classic.
Market Expectations and Challenges
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is seen as a more domestic-focused property, similar to the Ghostbusters franchise, which performed better in North America than internationally. The film is expected to perform well in Anglo markets like the UK and Australia, and possibly in Mexico. However, challenges may arise in Asia, where the lack of history with the franchise could impact its success. With varying release dates across different regions, it will be interesting to see how Beetlejuice Beetlejuice fares worldwide.
A24’s horror movie, The Front Room, is also hitting theaters around the same time as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The R-rated film follows a newly pregnant couple dealing with an ailing stepmother and is projected to have a modest debut at the box office. While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is expected to dominate the weekend, it will face competition from other releases vying for audience attention.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is shaping up to be a major box office success this fall, reviving the sluggish summer season with its strong pre-sales, critical acclaim, and international appeal. As audiences eagerly await the return of the beloved characters to the big screen, Warner Bros. is banking on the sequel to be a blockbuster hit and kick off a lucrative fall and holiday box office period.