The long-awaited sequel to the iconic Beetlejuice movie has exceeded expectations in its Wednesday and Thursday night previews, raking in an impressive $12M. While it may not be an exact comparison, this preview revenue is not far from the $13.5M earned by the 2017 horror film It, which went on to break records with a $123.4M opening. Additionally, Beetlejuice’s preview earnings surpass those of It: Chapter Two, which boasted the second-highest September opening with $91M.
Beetlejuice’s preview audience skews heavily female, in contrast to the predominantly male audience of Dune: Part Two. This gender distribution sets the stage for a unique viewing experience that caters to a wide range of moviegoers. The film is also expected to resonate strongly with Latino and Hispanic audiences, promising to overindex in these demographics.
Critical Acclaim
Despite being a sequel, Beetlejuice has managed to impress both critics and audiences alike. The film currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 78% among critics and an impressive 87% among audiences. This positive reception mirrors the original 1988 movie, which also received high praise from both critics and viewers.
Director Tim Burton has ventured into the realm of sequels sparingly in his career, with Beetlejuice marking only his second sequel after 1992’s Batman Returns. This careful selection of projects underscores the significance of Beetlejuice in the director’s filmography. Additionally, the film’s wide release in various premium formats, including Imax, ScreenX, and Dolby, further emphasizes its significance in the current cinematic landscape.
Anticipated Box Office Success
With a strong showing in previews and positive reception from critics and audiences, Beetlejuice is poised for success at the box office. As the film prepares for its official release, industry insiders predict that it will surpass current expectations and make a significant impact in the competitive film market. With updates expected in the coming days, Beetlejuice is well-positioned to become a standout hit of the year.