The highly anticipated sequel to Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, is projected to have a global opening as high as $145M. This represents a remarkable achievement, especially considering the lackluster performance of Warner Bros. over the summer season. The tracking and exhibition bean counters estimate a domestic opening of $100M-$110M, with an additional $35M coming from 69 offshore markets. This is a significant milestone for Warner Bros., as the studio has not seen a movie opening to north of $100M over a Friday-Sunday span in seven years. The last big opening of this magnitude in September was New Line’s “It” in 2017 with $123.4M domestic.
One of the factors contributing to the buzz around the Beetlejuice sequel is the addition of Wednesday megastar Jenna Ortega to the original cast. This, coupled with the return of Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, has sparked interest and anticipation among audiences. The strong first choice and unaided awareness among women indicate a widespread appeal for the classic film. Warner Bros. is confident that the domestic opening will exceed $80M, surpassing the lifetime gross of the original 1988 movie, which finaled at $74.6M.
The global release strategy for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is ambitious, with premieres in Korea, Italy, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the UK. The film is scheduled to be screened in roughly 4,500 theaters, making it the biggest theater count of 2024 so far. The inclusion of premium formats such as Imax, ScreenX, 4DX, Dolby, Dbox, and PLFs, along with fan previews in various formats, is a testament to Warner Bros.’ confidence in the film’s success. The positive reviews following its Venice world premiere, with a fresh rating of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, further bolster the film’s prospects.
While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is anticipated to perform well in Anglo markets like the UK and Australia, challenges are expected in Asia due to a lack of familiarity with the property. The film was not cleared in China, likely due to its ghostly themes, and Japan’s release is scheduled for September 27. The focus on domestic markets is evident, similar to the rebooted Ghostbusters franchise, which saw a significant portion of its revenue coming from North America in recent iterations. Germany, where U.S. humor translates well, is set to release on September 12, while France’s release is delayed due to back-to-school activities.
In comparison to A24’s R-rated horror movie “The Front Room,” starring Brandy Norwood, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is expected to dominate the box office. While The Front Room is projected to have a modest performance in around 2,000 locations, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s widespread appeal and global release strategy set it apart as a potential blockbuster. The success of the Beetlejuice sequel is poised to kick off a massive fall and holiday box office period for Warner Bros., with further releases like the Joker sequel on the horizon.
Overall, the extensive marketing efforts, star-studded cast, and positive critical reception position Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as a frontrunner in the current box office landscape. As audiences eagerly await the debut of the long-awaited sequel, the stage is set for a triumphant return of the iconic ghostly character that has captivated viewers for decades.