The weekend at the box office is shaping up to be one for the books, with unexpected competition for big hitters like Deadpool and Wolverine. It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, has surprised industry insiders by raking in $7M in previews on its opening day. This figure is reminiscent of the pre-Covid success of Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight, hinting at the potential for a major upset in the box office race.
Initially projected to open at $15M, It Ends With Us has exceeded expectations with industry projections now reaching as high as $40M. The film’s success can be attributed to several factors, including Hoover’s popularity, Blake Lively’s star power, and the inclusion of a Taylor Swift song in the trailer. With a 94% audience approval rating and $18M in presales, It Ends With Us is poised to make a significant impact at the box office.
Despite its strong start, there are still uncertainties surrounding It Ends With Us’ long-term performance. The film’s demographic, which consists primarily of female book readers, may not translate to consistent box office numbers over the weekend. Historically, female-driven movies have seen significant drops in attendance from Friday to Saturday, which could impact It Ends With Us’ overall box office haul.
Regardless of its final box office ranking, It Ends With Us serves as a reminder to Hollywood studios about the power of theatrical releases. The film’s unexpected success highlights the value of catering to diverse audiences and exploring new genres on the big screen. As the industry continues to navigate the shifting landscape of streaming services, It Ends With Us demonstrates that there is still gold to be found in traditional cinema experiences.
In a weekend filled with major box office releases, It Ends With Us has emerged as a dark horse contender with the potential to shake up the rankings. By surpassing initial projections and capturing the attention of audiences, the film has provided a valuable lesson for Hollywood on the importance of diverse storytelling and innovative marketing strategies. As the industry continues to evolve, It Ends With Us stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and profitability of traditional theatrical releases.