Spooky season could be in full effect with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice triumphing over Transformers One.
The new installment in Paramount and Hasbro Entertainment’s franchise [read our review here] sees an estimated $25 million from 3,978 theaters, compared to the estimated $26 million from the Beetlejuice sequel in 4,172 locations, now in its third weekend.
This is a shock to some as the studio and the industry expected the animated film to open to at least $30 million to $35 million in North America. Transformers One saw an edge ahead of its competition on Saturday morning, but the matinee screeners didn’t pan out as expected.
These projects were founded on the immense critical reception, awards buzz, A CinemaScore, and exceptional PostTrak exit scores. Fans seemingly loved it, and it was set to be a big hit for its opening weekend, but there’s still time. Per THR, some online chatter indicated “franchise fans were confused as to the film’s animated status.” The modestly budgeted ($75 million) will also help soften the blow.
The other new releases also floundered: Lionsgate’s Never Let Go, starring Halle Berry, came in fourth place with an estimated $4.5 million, and Mubi’s Demi Moore-led The Substance opened in sixth place with an estimated $3.1 million from 1,949 cinemas.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has substantial numbers in North America, with a domestic total of $226.8 million, but overseas isn’t as strong. The Tim Burton film only earned $103 million worldwide, a global cume of $329.7 million.
Burton’s legacy Beetlejuice sequel could top the charts again, even with a weak weekend coming up, unless Transformers One picks up steam with its strong word-of-mouth.
