In a surprising turn of events, September is set to witness a box office phenomenon that hasn’t been seen in seven years – a movie opening to over $100M during a Friday-Sunday span. Warner Bros. is gearing up for a successful fall season after a summer filled with flops. The highly-anticipated sequel directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, is on track to achieve a global start as high as $145M. With $100M-$110M expected from domestic markets, coupled with around $35M projected from 69 offshore markets, the film is poised to make a significant impact on the box office landscape.
Pre-sales for Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice are reportedly ahead of major blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This surge in anticipation can be attributed to the addition of Wednesday megastar Jenna Ortega to the cast, alongside stalwarts like Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. The film’s first-choice and unaided awareness metrics showcase a strong appeal to female audiences, further solidifying its buzz in the market. Warner Bros. is optimistic about the movie’s opening weekend in the domestic market, predicting an $80M start.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice will kick off its global release starting in Korea, followed by key markets like Italy, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. The movie’s release in Spain and the UK is slated for Friday, with a wide theater count of approximately 4,500 screens domestically, including premium formats like Imax, Dolby, and Dbox. The early reviews from its Venice World Premiere have been favorable, with a 78% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a positive reception from critics.
Warner Bros. has employed a robust marketing strategy for Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, starting with premieres in Venice and London to drum up awareness. The studio has also conducted fan meet and greets in Mexico City to engage with the audience. However, the challenge lies in attracting viewers who may not have the same level of familiarity or nostalgia for the 36-year-old cult classic. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice is expected to perform well in Anglo markets like the UK and Australia, with potential for success in Mexico, France, and Germany.
While Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice is seen as a more domestic-skewing property, its performance in international markets remains a question mark. Countries like China and Japan have delayed releases, with potential hurdles due to the film’s ghostly themes. The movie’s success in Asia will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences who may not have a strong connection to the original film. A24’s horror movie, The Front Room, presents a contrasting release, targeting a niche audience with a different genre and tone.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice is gearing up to be a box office hit, setting the stage for a profitable fall and holiday season for Warner Bros. With a strong marketing push, positive early reviews, and a stellar cast, the sequel is poised to exceed expectations and solidify its position as a major blockbuster in the making.
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