Box Office drama in cinemas has come out with both exciting and disappointing figures. Disney’s much-anticipated live-action musical “Snow White” has made its strong presence felt on the box office charts, but it is also facing challenges. At the same time, films like Warner Bros.’ “The Alto Knights” and “Mickey 17” have failed to attract audiences. Let’s take a look at the latest box office situation of this week.
“Snow White” has a great start, but budget concerns
Disney’s “Snow White” earned $16 million on Friday from preview screenings in 4,200 theaters in North America. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is on track with estimates to earn more than $45 million in its first weekend.
That performance could make it Disney's second-biggest opening of the year, coming in behind "Captain America: Brave New World." However, the Marc Webb-directed fairy tale's hefty $250 million cost puts it in a long battle for profitability.
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"Snow White" is being compared to Disney's recent release "Mufasa: The Lion King," which earned $250 million in North America and $700 million globally despite a slow $35 million opening in December. But "Snow White" doesn't have that Christmas season advantage, and it has a "B+" CinemaScore from audiences despite negative reviews.
The film has been the center of controversy online, but has received positive response from ticket buyers. Still, it needs to avoid being like “Dumbo” (2019), which made only $353 million globally on a $170 million budget despite opening to $45 million.
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“The Alto Knights” and “Mickey 17” disappoint
March is proving to be a tough month for Warner Bros. The Robert De Niro-starring mafia drama “The Alto Knights” grossed just $1.17 million from 2,651 theaters on Friday and in previews. The Barry Levinson-directed film cost $45 million to make, making it a balanced comparison to “Mickey 17,” but audiences have been extremely weak. It received a “B” grade from CinemaScore but was panned by critics. The film is also struggling to make the top five.
“Mickey 17,” released two weeks ago, was also a box office flop. Bong Joon-ho's sci-fi film didn't draw enough viewers to justify its $118 million budget. It added another $1 million on Friday this week and is looking to cross a $40 million domestic total over the weekend. Warner is now hoping to bounce back with "A Minecraft Movie."
Other movies in the top five
Focus Features' "Black Bag": This spy thriller is in second place but is looking to cross the 10-day mark with a 43% drop in its second weekend to $14.8 million. This $50 million film failed to live up to expectations.
Disney's "Captain America: Brave New World": Returning to third place, it earned $1.1 million on Friday and could cross a $190 million domestic total on Saturday.
Paramount's "Novocaine": Projected to drop 57% to $3.8 million in its second weekend, leading to a domestic total of $15.8 million.
RLJE's "Ash": The alien-planet horror film earned $333,000 on its first day, opening in 1,163 theaters. Directed by Flying Lotus, the thriller stars Eiza Gonzalez and Aaron Paul.
Conclusion
"Snow White" has opened strong at the box office, but its hefty budget forces it to perform like "Mufasa." On the other hand, projects like "The Alto Knights" and "Mickey 17" have become disappointments for Warner. It will be interesting to see in the coming weeks if this Disney musical is able to maintain its momentum.