Blogger’s Note (03/14/18): I am revisiting my estimate considerably upwards to $5.4 million
Playing in theaters next weekend is the faith based drama I Can Only Imagine, which tells the story behind the making of the most popular Christian contemporary song of all time. The song shares the title of the film from the band MercyMe with J. Michael Finley as lead singer Bart Millard. Costars include Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman, and Trace Adkins. The directors are Andrew and Jon Erwin, makers of Woodlawn and Moms’ Night Out.
I’ve yet to see a theater count for Imagine, but I would guess it’ll be relatively low at about 1,000. This genre has shown the ability to over perform estimates. That said, this one seems to be generating rather meager buzz. The Erwin brothers have seen their previous two outings make about $4 million for their starts. I’ll predict Imagine doesn’t quite reach that number.
I Can Only Imagine opening weekend prediction: $5.4 million
For my Tomb Raider prediction, click here:
https://toddmthatcher.com/2018/03/06/tomb-raider-box-office-prediction/
For my Love, Simon prediction, click here:
https://toddmthatcher.com/2018/03/07/love-simon-box-office-prediction/
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Meager buzz? Both trailers for it have 45+ million views on Facebook.
When I pull up the film’s trailer on YouTube, I see top two trailers for it with around 340,000 views. That’s pretty low for YouTube
Considering they have multiple FB trailers have generated 40M+ views each there would have to be something fishy going on.
You are so wrong on this one. This movie has been highly promoted and marketed on some 300 Christian radio stations for the past two weeks, including KeepTheFaith, the top Christian radio show in America with over 2 million listeners on the weekends. Bart Millard of MercyMe, who is the real-life biopic star, and Amy Grant have been on that show for 7 straight days talking up the movie. I predict a miraculous opening that shocks Hollywood. Somewhere north of 8 million…and that may be low.
I saw “I Can Only Imagine” in Salem Oregon (hardly a Bible Belt town). At the ticket window, the girl said, “it’s at 92% for 3:30 and they may ask if you want to see it at 3:45 – we’ve added a theater.” I Can Only Imaging was in the Biggest theater — 800 plus seats. When the customer ahead asked for “A Wrinkle in Time” she said, “It’s at 8%. Everybody is her for ‘I Can Only Imagine.” Audience applauded. Not preachy. It’s a story. Possibly the best faith based film of all time (although I think “the Hiding Place” may have been better and I’m not including The Passion of the Christ as I have only seen portions).
Just heard of the movie earlier this week and said I’ve got to watch it!
Today at the 4:45 showing,… i watched it and loved it.
Definitely making a big hit at the box office.
Never knew the meaning behind the song and love the outcome of Bart though.
Best movie I’ve seen in many years. This story has a profound message for all……not just Christians. It gives hope to us all. Movie shows the power of kindness, love, hope, and forgiveness. Can’t say enough good things about it.
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