As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there is anticipation in the movie industry for the influx of moviegoers. However, the numbers this year do not seem to match the highs of previous years, especially with the total box office collection exceeding $200M+ in the past two years. Despite the release of big titles like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and The Garfield Movie, the volume of event product has increased, giving audiences more options to choose from. While these releases are noteworthy, they do not have the same mass appeal as blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick or The Little Mermaid, which had significantly higher opening weekend numbers.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a prequel to the Mad Max franchise, with Anya Taylor-Joy taking on the iconic role previously played by Charlize Theron. The film received positive reviews after its world premiere at Cannes, boasting an impressive 85% certified fresh rating. Despite the critical acclaim, the movie is projected to have an $80M-$85M global start, with a significant portion of the earnings expected to come from overseas markets. Director George Miller’s decision to cast a different actress for the role of Furiosa, citing the need for an actress who can portray the character at different age ranges, might be a risky move that could potentially slow down the film’s momentum. While the movie is well-received by fans, it still has big shoes to fill compared to its predecessor, Mad Max: Fury Road.
On the other hand, The Garfield Movie has already made $49M from its offshore launch, with more earnings expected as the movie continues to release in different markets. The film, directed by Mark Dindal, features an ensemble cast including Chris Pratt as the voice of Garfield, alongside other notable actors. Despite its star-studded lineup, the movie has received a lukewarm response from critics, with a 47% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The target audience for The Garfield Movie seems to be women under 25, indicating a specific demographic appeal that might not resonate with a wider audience.
Paramount’s IF and Angels Studios’ Sight are also vying for audience attention over the holiday weekend. IF, directed and produced by John Krasinski, is expected to see a 50% drop in earnings from its opening weekend, while Angels Studios’ Sight, directed by Andrew Hyatt, tells a poignant story that is projected to bring in low earnings. With differing themes and target audiences, these movies present a varied landscape of offerings for moviegoers this Memorial Day weekend.
The Memorial Day weekend box office is a reflection of the diverse range of movies available to audiences. While big-budget releases like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and The Garfield Movie seek to draw in crowds, it remains to be seen whether they can live up to the expectations set by previous blockbusters. With a mix of critical reception, target demographics, and box office projections, this holiday weekend promises an intriguing lineup of films that cater to different tastes and preferences in movie viewing.