“Ant-Man” Scores a Semi-Super Debut for Marvel
Marvel’s streak continued this weekend as their 12th Cinematic Universe film landed the number one spot. Ant-Man, starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Michael Douglas opened in the top spot with an estimated $58 millon.
After a week on top, Minions dropped on spot to second. The animated Illumination Entertainment prequel grossed another $50 million. Judd Apatow comedy Trainwreck debuted in third with $30.2 million. That marks his second-best debut behind 2007’s Knocked Up.
Inside Out edged out Jurassic World claim fourth place with $11.7 million. The Pixar film passed $300 million on Saturday. Jurassic World brought in $11.4 million in its sixth frame. Its 38-day cume stands at over $611 million.
#1 – Ant-Man (NR)
$58.0 million / $58.0 million total
With Marvel’s streak of number one films riding on the line, there was plenty of pressure on the studio’s smallest superhero. Fitting it hero, Ant-Man pulled in the smallest opening for Marvel since 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. Ant-Man was never expected to open the likes of recent Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Avengers: Age of Ultron or Guardians of the Galaxy. Even compared to other MCU origin films such as Thor or Captain America: The First Avenger, Ant-Man is still shy of both films’ $65 million debuts. Positive word-of-mouth should help Ant-Man in the long run. Marvel studios is going to need miracle run to pull out a $200 million finish. Ant-Man would have to perform as well as Guardians of the Galaxy to do so. The challenge comes over the next few weeks as Pixels, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Fantastic Four and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. break on the scene in four consecutive frames.
#2 – Minions (1)
$50.2 million / $216.7 million total
Illumination Entertainment has yet another hit on their hands with Minions. Despite a massive turnout last weekend ($115.7 million), Minions is falling faster than Despicable Me (-41.8%) and Despicable Me 2 (-47.4%). Down 56.6% from last weekend, Minions is still on track for a $300 million finish. However, it won’t have the legs to pass Despicable Me 2 domestically ($368.1 million). Even passing Inside Out at this point isn’t a given either.
#3 – Trainwreck (NR)
$30.2 million / $30.2 million total
After Funny People and This is 40 underperfomed at the box office, it was easy to wonder when Judd Apatow would have another hit on his hands. Trainwreck very well could be that hit. Opening with $30.2 million, Trainwreck is Apatow’s second-biggest opening just behind Knocked Up ($30.7 million). Positive reviews and lack of the competition over the next few weeks should send Trainwreck over the century mark.
#4 – Inside Out (NR)
$11.7 million / $306.4 million total
For the third time in its 20-year existence, Pixar has scored another $300 million film. Inside Out joins the company of Finding Nemo and Toy Story 3, hitting this milestone. Down a soft 34% from last weekend, Inside Out continues to hold on strong. With Minions fading faster than expected, Inside Out stands a better chance at becoming the biggest animated film of the summer as well as 2015. If Inside Out continues to perform like Toy Story 3 and Cars, a finish around $350 million is surely in store.
#5 – Jurassic World (5)
$11.4 million / $611.1 million total
On Friday, Jurassic World became the fourth film ever to cross $600 million. Dipping 37% from last weekend, there’s still plenty of demand for the dinosaur sequel. Jurassic World is expected to pass The Avengers ($623.4 million) by the end of next weekend, leaving both James Cameron blockbusters, Avatar ($760.5 million) and Titanic ($658.7 million) ahead. $650 million is a longshot at this point, but being the third highest grossing movie ever is a solid consolation prize.
Ant-Man debuted a few notches shorter than anticipated. Trainwreck, however, flew past my $21 million prediction.
Opening Next Week: Pixels, Southpaw, Paper Towns
Source: Box Office Mojo
