As we approach the peak of spring break season, the box office seems to be in a bit of a chaotic state. With 8% of K-12 students on break and only 1% of college students off, the audience demographics are certainly mixed. The much-anticipated release of 20th Century Studios’ Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is projected to open with an impressive $50 million-plus during the second weekend of May. However, amidst this, A24’s Civil War has managed to secure the top spot at the box office with $27 million counted through Monday. Despite this, it will face stiff competition from Universal’s Abigail, directed by Radio Silence, with both films likely to bring in around $12 million each.
Abigail stars a talented cast including Melissa Barrera, Angus Cloud, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, and Kevin Durand. The film follows a group of kidnappers who target a 12-year-old ballerina, Abigail, the daughter of a powerful underworld figure. The ransom demand of $50 million sets the stage for a high-stakes thriller that promises nail-biting drama. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Abigail is set to debut in 3,300 theaters, targeting a young adult audience aged 18-34. The film’s R rating and 82% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes suggest that it has the potential to draw in a sizable crowd.
Another film vying for audience attention is Lionsgate’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, directed by Guy Ritchie. This historical drama draws inspiration from declassified files of the British war department and true events from WWII. Starring Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, and others, the film tells the story of a special forces unit formed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to combat the Nazis using unconventional tactics. With an A- CinemaScore and reviews at 81% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has the potential to exceed its modest estimates. Exhibitors are hopeful that audiences will be drawn to this exciting and historically rich film.
Meanwhile, Sony/Crunchyroll’s anime Spy x Family Code: White presents a unique offering for moviegoers. Directed by Takashi Katagiri, the film serves as a standalone installment of the TV series, introducing audiences to a new and thrilling mission featuring secret agent Twilight, his assassin wife Yor, and their telepathic daughter Anya. With screenings available in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed in English, the film aims to cater to anime fans and action enthusiasts alike. Set to premiere in 2,000 engagements, Spy x Family Code: White is poised to deliver an engaging and visually stunning experience based on the popular manga series.
The current state of the box office is a mixed bag of offerings aimed at attracting diverse audiences during the spring break season. While competition is fierce among films like Abigail, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and Spy x Family Code: White, each presents a unique and compelling narrative for viewers to enjoy. As moviegoers navigate their options for cinematic entertainment, these films promise to deliver thrills, drama, and escapism to audiences of all ages.