As expected, DC and Warner Bros. took the top spot with their latest superhero flick, Shazam! While not bringing in blockbuster-like business, the film still pulled in reasonably solid numbers. A $53.5 million start (strong $12,675 per-venue average) lands towards the high end of expectations. Including Fandango pre-screenings two weeks back, it has earned $56.8 million so far. That's comparable to Ant-Man ($57 million) among recent superhero origin stories. It is important to note that this particular superhero isn't quite as popular as bigger names such as Batman and Superman. And, distributor Warners knew that too, as they wisely kept the budget restrained here (the $100 million budget is half of what the MCU films are produced for today). As for the coming weeks, Shazam has Easter and Spring Break to look forward to before Avengers: Endgame will likely wipe it out in just under three weeks from now. It was important for this film to make an impression this early especially with not too much leeway into Endgame. And it made a reasonably impressive one.Audiences gave the film an "A" CinemaScore, a strong result. Overseas numbers are also off to a strong start, with $102 million earned internationally ($160 million worldwide launch). Though China's $30 million debut isn't huge, its' still respectable. Ultimately, Shazam looks to be on pace for at least $350 million worldwide, with plenty of room for upside.
Meanwhile, in a strong case of counter-programming, Paramount launched their Stephen King remake Pet Sematary. The horror flick got off to a good start also, earning $25 million in second place (decent $6,974 per-venue average). Coming off of strong buzz after a SXSW Festival premiere, horror fans seemed pretty excited about this one. Many were thinking it could approach $30 million in its debut, but others were a bit more conservative. Regardless, this is still a very good number, and the budget was only $21 million here. It did only earn a "C+" CinemaScore, but that is right in line with the average grade for the genre in general. As for competition, the next true horror flick will be The Curse of La Llarona in two weeks. Paramount was hoping for a mid-to-upper 20's millions debut.
Following its not-too-great start last week, Dumbo was zapped by Shazam! Disney's latest remake fell an alarming 60% in its sophomore frame to $18.2 million, for a disappointing $76.3 million gross in 10 days. It is faring better overseas, with a $210 million worldwide gross in two weeks. But, even at $350 million worldwide to finish, it might not be enough to cover the $170 million budget plus the extensive marketing Disney spends on these films.
Feeling the brunt of Pet Sematary, Us fell 58% in its third weekend to $13.8 million, for a strong $152.4 million pick-up in 17 days. $200 million may be out of play at this point, but its still doing strong business considering the $20 million budget.
Despite strong competition from Shazam, Captain Marvel surprisingly held like a pro. The MCU's latest was off just 39% in its fifth weekend to $12.7 million. With a huge $374.1 million gross in one month of release, it continues to power its way to a finish above $400 million. It also passed $1 billion last week (the seventh Marvel film to do so), and is at $1.04 billion so far.
As for the weekend's other new release, it disappointed. Historical drama The Best of Enemies only could muster $4.5 million in sixth place (weak $2,639 per-venue average). Despite the starpower of Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell and a solid marketing effort, the film seemed to carry a "been there, done that" vibe that didn't appeal to many audiences. It also didn't receive a very wide release. Distributor STX acquired the $10 million production's distribution rights, and they were hoping for a debut close to that mark. However, the small budget will keep it from losing the studio a lot of money.
Continuing to hold strong in its fourth week, Five Feet Apart was off just 40% to $3.7 million, for a very good $41.6 million pick-up in 24 days. The romantic drama has also pulled in $25 million overseas. Meanwhile, despite expanding to 500 more theaters, Unplanned fell 50% in its sophomore frame to $3.2 million. It looks like a good chunk of the audience that wanted to see it came out last weekend. However, Pure Flix's latest has earned a reasonably good $12.5 million in 10 days (double its' $6 million budget), and should close around $20 million.
With Shazam and Dumbo attracting families, the two animated titles in the list are starting to exit theaters. Wonder Park fell 59% in its fourth frame to $2 million, for a disappointing $42 million gross in 24 days. Paramount's animated effort has also only earned $18 million overseas. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World rounded out the list, falling 55% to $1.98 million. However, the finale in the animated trilogy has pulled in a solid $156.7 million stateside in seven weeks of release, and an impressive $510 million worldwide.
And that's about it. Next weekend, four more moderate titles will open, with none of them likely to top Shazam. Older comic book fans will get the latest Hellboy remake. Animation fans will get Laika's latest Missing Link. Comedy fans will get the Will Packer flick Little. And younger women and couples will get the romance flick After. Look for a predictions post on Thursday. :)
