The opening weekend for “Frozen Empire,” in 4,345 theatres, was practically precisely the identical because the $44 million launch for “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” in 2021. “Afterlife” rebooted the franchise with a sequel constructed across the descendants (Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace) of Harold Ramis’ Egon Spengler, together with Paul Rudd’s seismologist Gary Grooberson.
“Solely 4 different comedic sequence within the final 27 years have lasted 5 episodes,” analyst David A. Gross stated, with ticket gross sales for the newest entry in Sony’s comedy sequence coming in “nicely above common for the style.”
Nonetheless, with a $100 million finances, “Frozen Empire” has a strategy to go to achieve profitability.
Neither movie has been a success with critics, however audiences have been extra receptive. “Frozen Empire” garnered a B+ CinemaScore from moviegoers, a tick down from the A- rating for “Afterlife.” “Frozen Empire” is not assured of profitability, however it can hope for sustained enterprise over spring break.
“Ghostbusters” movies are inclined to make a low affect internationally. In 25 abroad markets, “Frozen Empire” added $16.4 million.
The newest “Ghostbusters” value about $100 million to make. After Jason Reitman took over directing duties from his father, Ivan Reitman, to helm “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” “Frozen Empire” is directed by Gil Kenan, co-writer of “Afterlife.”
These two sequels took “Ghostbusters” in a extra family-oriented, albeit PG-13 rated, course, with unique forged members Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Invoice Murray returning in supporting roles. After the 2016 female-led “Ghostbusters” prompted a backlash, Sony rebooted the franchise.
Co-written by Jason Reitman, whose father Ivan Reitman directed the unique “Ghostbusters” in 1984, the movie groups a brand new cadre of ghost catchers (Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon) with the veterans (Invoice Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson) as they tackle a daunting deity making an attempt to launch a brand new Ice Age.
In the meantime Warner Bros.’ sci-fi epic “Dune: Half Two,” about struggle and survival in an inhospitable sand-covered planet, once more managed a powerful second place, taking in an estimated $17.6 million for the Friday-through-Sunday interval.
It has now earned $233.3 million within the US and Canada and $341 million internationally, business watcher Exhibitor Relations reported.
In third, dropping two spots from final weekend, was Common and DreamWorks Animation’s martial arts comedy “Kung Fu Panda 4,” at $16.8 million.
“Immaculate,” a brand new psychological horror movie from indie studio Neon and starring Sydney Sweeney, positioned fourth at $5.4 million.
Sweeney, a graduate of hit TV sequence “Euphoria” and up to date rom-com “Anybody However You,” performs a nun who — regardless of her virginity — turns into pregnant. Different nuns in her distant Italian convent at first deal with her as the subsequent Virgin Mary — however then issues begin getting creepy — very creepy.
And in fifth spot was Lionsgate’s “Arthur the King,” at $4.4 million. Mark Wahlberg performs an adventurer who befriends an injured stray canine.
Rounding out the highest 10 have been:
“Late Night time With the Satan” ($2.8 million)
“Imaginary” ($2.8 million)
“Love Lies Bleeding” ($1.6 million)
“Cabrini” ($1.4 million)
“Bob Marley: One Love” ($1.1 million)