Universal Pictures kicked off the summer season with the release of The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Despite high expectations, the film only managed to make $3.15M from early showings and advance screenings. The projected weekend box office numbers hover around $35M-$40M, which is below the industry standard for a summer blockbuster. The delays in production caused by strikes have resulted in a slow start to the summer movie season.
Originally slated for a March 1 release, Universal decided to push The Fall Guy to the current weekend slot after Disney and Marvel Studios rescheduled their own highly anticipated film. The decision to premiere the movie at SXSW in Austin generated positive buzz, as audiences thoroughly enjoyed the action-packed comedy. Despite the setback of a delayed release, the studio remains optimistic about the film’s potential success.
The Fall Guy has garnered comparisons to classic action films from the ’70s and ’80s, which were known to appeal to a wider, more mainstream audience. With a PG-13 rating and a nostalgic Hollywood feel, the movie aims to attract both male and female viewers alike. The positive critical reception, with an 85% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, bodes well for its theatrical run.
While The Fall Guy takes the spotlight, other movies are also vying for audience attention. Sony/Screen Gems’ Tarot, a horror film targeting young female viewers, is projected to make $5M-$6M during its opening weekend. Despite a modest budget of $8M, the movie faces tough competition from larger studio releases. Additionally, the re-release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace by Disney coincides with the film’s 25th anniversary, aiming to capitalize on the franchise’s loyal fan base.
As the weekend unfolds, box office results continue to fluctuate. Amazon MGM Studios’ Challenger, directed by Luca Guadagnino and featuring Zendaya, concludes its first week with $21.8M in earnings. Meanwhile, Lionsgate’s Unsung Hero maintains steady performance with $10.1M, indicating sustained interest from moviegoers. Legendary/Warner Bros’ Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire remains a strong contender in its fifth week, surpassing the $183.5M mark in total earnings. A24’s Civil War, directed by Alex Garland, continues to attract audiences in its third week, with $9M in box office receipts.
Overall, The Fall Guy’s underwhelming start to the summer movie season highlights the challenges faced by studios in a competitive theatrical landscape. While early projections may fall short of expectations, the true test lies in the movie’s ability to sustain interest and draw audiences in the weeks to come. With a mix of genres and styles hitting theaters, moviegoers have a wide variety of options to choose from, promising an exciting and diverse summer movie lineup.