The Labor Day weekend box office numbers are expected to be slow, with a projected total of $3.6 billion. This lower figure can be attributed to the absence of major blockbusters, such as a Marvel movie, which typically drives up summer box office earnings. The decision by studios to play it safe by not releasing high-profile films during this time frame has resulted in a significant drop in revenue compared to the previous summer season. For example, last summer saw a total box office revenue of $4.09 billion, indicating a substantial decline in earnings this year.
One notable studio strategy that impacted the Labor Day weekend box office numbers was Sony’s decision to push back the release of their R-rated Marvel movie, Kraven the Hunter, to December. This move was made in order to take advantage of the year-end movie-going season, which typically sees increased foot traffic at theaters. In place of Kraven the Hunter, Sony released the PG-13 film Afraid, which stars John Cho and is directed by Chris Weitz. Despite having a lower budget of $12 million, Afraid is projected to earn around $5 million over the 4-day weekend.
Another major film set to close out the summer season is Disney/Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine, which is expected to earn between $12-$14 million over the 4-day weekend. While this film may not reach the six-century mark at the domestic box office just yet, it is still anticipated to attract a significant audience. In addition, the animated film Inside Out 2 is being re-released in over 2,600 theaters, continuing the Pixar Labor Day tradition. This film remains the top-grossing title of 2024, with earnings of $647.2 million.
In addition to the major film releases, there are several new films hitting theaters over the Labor Day weekend. Showbiz Direct’s biopic Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid as the 40th President, is expected to attract audiences despite mixed reviews from critics. Another film, Slingshot, a psychological thriller starring Casey Affleck and Laurence Fishburne, follows a trio of astronauts on a dangerous mission to Saturn’s moon Titan. The film 1992, starring Ray Liotta, Tyrese Gibson, and Scott Eastwood, explores the events of the 1992 L.A. uprising through the story of a shopkeeper trying to save his son.
While some films are receiving positive audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes, such as Reagan with a 98% score, critics have been more critical of certain releases. For example, Reagan has a 25% critics’ score, indicating a disconnect between audience and critical reception. Similarly, the film City of Dreams, a political drama about the border crisis, has received mixed reviews from critics despite tackling a controversial and relevant topic.
Overall, the Labor Day weekend box office numbers reflect a lackluster summer season, with studios opting for a more cautious approach in their release strategies. While certain films like Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2 are expected to perform well, others may struggle to attract audiences due to mixed critical reception. It remains to be seen whether the upcoming releases will be able to boost box office earnings and end the summer season on a high note.
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