Blogger’s Note (03/07): I am revising my estimate from $42.8 million to $37.8 million, meaning I have it debuting at #2
What film could knock Disney’s Black Panther off its perch atop the box office charts after its momentous performance? Well, it should be another Disney property as A Wrinkle in Time debuts next Friday. Based on the famed and acclaimed 1962 novel from Madeleine L’Engle, the sci-fi fantasy comes from Selma director Ana DuVernay and marks the biggest budgeted feature ever (a reported $103 million) from an African-American female director. The cast includes Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine, Gugu-Mbatha Raw, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Pena, and Storm Reid.
The Disney marketing machine is certainly a formidable one and familiarity with the source material and high-profile actors should serve as a benefit. One potential hindrance: while reviews are embargoed until March 7, initial word-of-mouth from screenings has been mixed.
On the low end, Wrinkle could see a debut in the mid 30s. However, I feel it will manage to climb higher with low 40s gross that could certainly reach as a high as $50 million. I don’t see it hitting the high 60s grosses that Disney’s live-action adaptations like Maleficent or Cinderella managed. That should be enough to allow the Mouse Factory to hold the 1-2 position next weekend with this and Panther.
A Wrinkle in Time opening weekend prediction: $37.8 million
For my The Strangers: Prey at Night prediction, click here:
https://toddmthatcher.com/2018/02/28/the-strangers-prey-at-night/
For my The Hurricane Heist prediction, click here:
https://toddmthatcher.com/2018/03/01/the-hurricane-heist-box-office-prediction/
For my Gringo prediction, click here:
https://toddmthatcher.com/2018/03/01/gringo-box-office-prediction/
It’s an interesting one this. I can’t call it. I personally think it has the potential to be another costly flop for Disney – something similar to John Carter or Tomorrowland. We can only wait and see.
I agree. This is a tricky one for sure