This weekend, the animation scene welcomes “The Wild Robot,” a new release from DreamWorks Animation and Universal. Voice-acted by Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, the film has sparked excitement and anticipation among audiences and film critics alike. Following its early previews, “The Wild Robot” amassed an impressive $1.95 million from showtimes that begun at 2 PM in approximately 3,000 theaters. This initial gross indicates a promising trajectory, with projections suggesting that the film could potentially surpass the $20 million mark in its opening weekend.
Comparative Success: Analyzing Preview Numbers
In the realm of animated features, comparisons to past releases can serve as a strong indicator of future performance. For instance, the preview earnings of “The Wild Robot” exceed that of “Trolls Band Together,” which brought in $1.3 million, leading to a $9.3 million opening day and ultimately a $30 million launch. Similarly, “The Bad Guys” garnered $1.15 million during previews, translating to a first-day earnings of $7.98 million and an opening weekend total of $23.9 million. This momentum is crucial for “The Wild Robot” as it sets the stage for a robust opening, attracting the attention of both audience members and industry insiders.
The initial audience response to “The Wild Robot” has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing a PostTrak score that features five stars from general viewers and kids under 12, and 4.5 stars from parents. Attendance statistics reveal that 72% of viewers were general audiences, with an 18% share represented by parents and 10% by children. Interestingly, demographic insights show a predominantly female audience among kids under 12, with girls making up 53% of this group. In contrast, the general audience revealed a slight male advantage, boasting 53% male viewers.
Such favorable audience ratings enhance the film’s potential, considering that strong positive ratings often correlate with word-of-mouth recommendations, which can lead to sustained attendance in the weeks to come.
Differing Fates: ‘Megalopolis’ Struggles in Comparison
Conversely, another high-profile release this weekend, “Megalopolis,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola and financed independently, is facing a starkly different response. The film collected a mere $770,000 in previews, part of its anticipated opening in the $5-7 million range. This lackluster performance mirrors that of other hefty-budget films, such as Kevin Costner’s much-criticized “Horizon,” which also struggled to find an audience.
Despite the disappointing figures, an interesting nuance emerges from “Megalopolis.” It carries with it the weight of Coppola’s legacy – a celebrated filmmaker with five Academy Awards under his belt. While the financial outlook is grim, the fact that long-awaited projects see theatrical release is, in itself, a noteworthy event in the industry.
Analyzing the audience for “Megalopolis,” a notable trend appears: 69% of attendees last night were men, with a youthful demographic showing a significant presence (64% under 25). In contrast, with less favorable feedback, only a quarter of women over 25 viewed the film positively. Overall, mediocre scores on Rotten Tomatoes, lingering at 50%, solidify the belief that critical reception influences box office performance, particularly when it comes to attracting wider audiences.
Amidst these contrasting fortunes, other films are also navigating the competitive landscape. “Beetlejuice,” directed by Tim Burton, has continued its successful run, with its third-week takings totaling approximately $33.2 million. Meanwhile, “Transformers One” debuted its first week with $29.8 million, and smaller releases such as “Speak No Evil” and “Never Let Go” are carving out their niches in this crowded market.
As Hurricane Helene approaches, the impact on both the box office and viewer attendance remains uncertain. The storm has already left millions without power across several states, possibly affecting filmgoers’ plans and the overall takeaway from this weekend’s box office race.
As “The Wild Robot” prepares to take flight in the theatrical arena, its early successes hint at a brighter future in the animated film sector. With audience consensus advocating for the film and its competitive preview numbers setting the tone, this release could redefine success for DreamWorks Animation amidst an ever-changing cinematic landscape. While “Megalopolis” faces an uphill battle, the recognition of unique artistic endeavors remains vital, so the industry will continue to closely monitor both films as they unfold in the coming days.