Likethe last weekend, this one, too, is dominated by original films. Let’s take a moment to appreciate that, especially after a summer movie season that, like most recent summers, saw its share of prequels, sequels, and spinoffs of popular IP. Continuing Paramount’s winning streak at the box office this year, the horror pictureSmileis exceeding expectations with an estimated $22 million opening weekend, has any other studio hedged its bets more cleverly?
The film was originally destined for streaming, but Paramount opted to release it in theaters after strong test screenings. Something similar happened with the recent word-of-mouth hitBarbarian, the rare 20th Century Studios title that parent company Disney decided to release theatrically after sensing potential.
Budgeted at a reported $17 million,Smileis directed byParker Finn, and starsSosie Bacon,Kyle Gallner,Jessie T. Usher,Kal Penn,Caitlin Stasey, andRob Morgan. The studio utilizedbrilliant marketing techniquesto generate buzz for the film, which has now evidently paid off.Smileearned a modest B- CinemaScore from opening day audiences, and Collider’s ownAlyse Waxcalled it“an enjoyable, scary ride”.
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The film displaced last weekend’s champion, directorOlivia Wilde’s psychological thrillerDon’t Worry Darling, which is expected to make $7.3 million in its sophomore weekend. While thepre-release controversyand cast memberHarry Styles’devoted fanbase guaranteed a solid opening last week, the film’snot-so-glowing reviewsand a general sense of apathy are probably the main reason behind its 62% fall this weekend.Don’t Worry Darling’s running domestic total now stands at a little under $33 million.
DirectorGina Prince-Bythewood’s well-reviewed historical drama,The Woman King, is expected to take the third spot with an estimated $7 million, dropping just 36%. The film, starringViola Davis, cost a reported $50 million to produce, and has now made over $46 million domestically. Awards buzz will certainly help it in the long run. Universal’s romantic comedy,Bros, opened at the fourth spot with an estimated $4.8 million. Keeping in mind that thestudio was expectinga debut in the high single-digits or low double-digits, this can’t help but feel like a disappointing outcome for thewarmly-reviewed filmwhich starsBilly Eichnerand was directed byNicholas Stoller. TheAvatarre-release rounded out the top five with an estimated $4.7 million, proving once again that there is a devoted fanbase for the franchise, despite all that chatter about the series having no cultural impact. It also bodes well for December’sAvatar: The Way of Water.
India’s historical epicPonniyin Selvan: Ilanded the sixth place finish in its debut weekend after an initial fifth place prediction. The film is playing in 500 locations, and is estimated to have made $4.1 million in its three-day opening. Next weekend will see the release of directorDavid O. Russell’s star-studded period caperAmsterdam. You can watch our interview withSmiledirector Finn below, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
