Along with After Earth, which opens Friday, the caper film Now You See Me represents the first of the summer flicks that is an original story. It’s not based on a comic book, a novel, a TV show, and it’s not a sequel! Pretty rare for a May release, I must say. By the way, I’ve already done my After Earth prediction on the blog and it can be found here:
https://toddmthatcher.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/after-earth-box-office-prediction/
Now You See Me comes from director Louis Leterrier, who made the Transporter pictures and 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. It’s about a team of magicians who also do bank heists. Now features a cast of several recognizable faces, including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine… none of whom have a proven track record of opening a picture whatsoever.
The film is a rather curious choice for a late May release and a bit of a gamble from Summit Entertainment. It comes with a reported $70 million budget, which isn’t anywhere near Iron Man, Star Trek, or Fast&Furious levels – but it’s still not small potatoes. I actually think it looks like it could be a lot of fun and I dig the cast, but I’m not sure this will get audiences to the multiplex. It has the feel of a “wait until DVD” title and while it’s been decently marketed, nothing about this shouts Event Movie… you know, like pretty much everything else out right now.
As I see it, if Now You See Me grosses above $20 million – that should be considered a victory. I am more inclined to predict a low to mid teens opening. If it gets decent reviews, perhaps it’ll have legs in future weekends.
Now You See Me opening weekend prediction: $14.2 million
That’s all for now. Tomorrow, I’ll make my predictions for next weekend’s Top Five.
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I’m REALLY intrigued by this. I’ve been anticipating it since I’ve heard about it. I might have to lower my expectations a little, though, lol… Anyway, I personally think you’re low balling it – because I think this has potential. Great cast, seemingly great story, decent director. Original movie. Sounds awesome. Our predictions are very different. I think this will manage $20 million. I hope I don’t regret my high prediction… I’m going with $24.7 million. Call me crazy!!
Wow… I seriously don’t blame you here, but at least I know now we’re in a real battle for second place this weekend with our wildly different predix on this. My thinking was this – very crowded marketplace and no bankable stars. This really seems like a film that should open in September or October. Still, I wouldn’t be shocked if it does $20M. $24.7M would surprise me, but you’re ahead – so what do I know? 🙂