The battle for box office dominance is heating up as Apple Original Productions’ “Napoleon” and Disney’s “Wish” premiered with impressive previews. Both films were highly anticipated and generated significant buzz leading up to their release. With favorable moviegoing conditions and a holiday weekend ahead, it’s a race to see which film will come out on top. Here’s a closer look at the box office previews and what they mean for the films’ overall performance.
In Tuesday night previews, “Napoleon” raked in an impressive $3 million, while “Wish” followed closely behind with $2.3 million. These numbers are a promising start for both films, especially considering the competition and the genre of “Napoleon” as a war epic. Comparatively, “Napoleon” falls just short of what “1917” achieved in its previews and surpasses another highly anticipated film, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” This bodes well for the potential success of “Napoleon” as it heads into its wide expansion.
However, it’s important to note that “Napoleon” will likely experience a different gross pattern compared to its predecessors. While “1917” went on to have a strong expanded Friday and a significant 3-day weekend, “Killers of the Flower Moon” had a solid first Friday but a slightly lower weekend total. The performance of “Napoleon” will be closely watched to see if it follows a similar trajectory.
“Wish” is set to open wide today in 3,900 domestic locations, including Premium Large Format, 3D, D-Box, and 4D screens. The film, which is rated PG, is expected to have a broad appeal and attract a diverse audience. In contrast, “Napoleon” carries an R-rating, which may limit its potential viewership. However, the high anticipation surrounding the film could help overcome this restriction.
Rotten Tomatoes reviews for “Napoleon” currently stand at 66% fresh, indicating a mixed reception from critics. On the other hand, “Wish” has received a 50% rotten score, implying a similarly divided opinion. Despite the varying reviews, the tracking for “Wish” suggests a higher 5-day box office win compared to “Napoleon.” Industry projections estimate a $45M-$50M 5-day debut for “Wish,” surpassing “Napoleon’s” expected $22M opening.
The box office battle doesn’t end there. Lionsgate’s “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” continues to make waves with a strong performance, earning $6.5 million on Tuesday. This brings its five-day running total to an impressive $56.4 million. This film will also share Imax screens with “Napoleon” over the holiday stretch, adding another layer of competition.
Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls Band Together” secured the second spot on Tuesday, grossing $4.73 million. The film experienced a significant increase of 45% compared to Monday’s earnings and has accumulated a running total of $38 million. Additionally, Tri-Star and Spyglass Media’s horror film “Thanksgiving” directed by Eli Roth managed to bring in $1.85 million, showcasing a solid performance and reaching a total domestic gross of $13 million since its Friday debut. Disney/Marvel Studios’ “The Marvels” also maintained a strong presence, grossing $1.5 million on Tuesday and adding to its impressive $67 million running total during its second week.
The box office previews for “Napoleon” and “Wish” have set the stage for an exciting battle for box office dominance. With impressive preview earnings and a holiday weekend ahead, both films have a chance to make a significant impact. As the films expand their releases and face the judgment of audiences and critics, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the victor in this fierce competition. Stay tuned for updates and box office results as the weekend unfolds.