As we approach the end of summer 2021, Disney is once again expected to claim the number one spot at the box office. This summer marks the ninth time that Disney will lead the box office, with its 20th Century Studios’ movie Alien: Romulus poised to surpass Deadpool & Wolverine in its fifth weekend, with an estimated $18 million compared to $17 million. Directed by Fede Alvarez, Alien: Romulus has already accumulated a box office total of $50.6 million through Tuesday.
Another highlight expected in the summer box office is Sony/Wayfarer Studios’ release It Ends with Us, which is projected to become Blake Lively’s highest-grossing movie in the domestic market. Surpassing her previous box office hit, Green Lantern ($116.6 million), It Ends with Us, a romantic drama directed by and starring Justin Baldoni, is anticipated to bring in around $13 million.
Competition in the Box Office
Despite the strong performances of these holdovers, the box office will also see the entry of three new movies from various studios. However, these newcomers are not expected to make a significant impact, with projections indicating single-digit earnings. The challenge lies in the fact that the summer box office is not expected to overperform due to the late August release dates when many individuals, particularly students, are gearing up for the back-to-school season.
Among the new releases, Amazon MGM Studios is set to release the Zoe Kravitz-directed thriller Blink Twice, starring Channing Tatum. Although the movie has garnered positive reviews from critics, it is not expected to achieve Tatum-sized opening numbers. The storyline follows tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) as he invites a cocktail waitress named Frida (Naomi Ackie) to his private island. As Frida begins to question the reality of her surroundings, the plot takes a dark turn, leading her to unravel the truth to survive.
Lionsgate is also set to release a reboot of the classic movie The Crow, featuring Bill Skarsgård in the lead role. Despite the anticipation surrounding the film, it is projected to earn less than the original 1994 version, opening to an estimated $6 million to $9 million. The story follows Eric (Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA Twigs) on a journey of revenge after their tragic murder.
Additionally, Sony is releasing The Forge, a faith-based movie directed by Alex Kendrick, in approximately 1,700 theaters. The film follows Isaiah (Aspen Kennedy) as he navigates life decisions after graduating from high school without a clear plan for the future.
The summer of 2021 promises a mix of established hits, new releases, and reboots across the box office landscape. While Disney’s dominance remains unquestioned, the performance of new films and the reception of audiences will ultimately determine the box office success of the season.