Sony is targeting the underserved female moviegoing audience this weekend with their latest release, Fly Me to the Moon. With a $100M budget, this Channing Tatum-Scarlett Johansson stylish romantic comedy is directed by Greg Berlanti and penned by Rose Gilroy. The story follows a bold ad executive portrayed by Johansson, who is recruited by the U.S. government to devise a contingency plan for NASA’s 1969 moon landing. Along the way, she forms a bond with a launch director played by Tatum.
Despite positive reviews, Fly Me to the Moon is anticipated to have a $12M opening weekend, with a strong initial interest among women over 25. However, it lags slightly behind the George Clooney-Julia Roberts film, Ticket to Paradise, which debuted in the fall of 2022 with $16.5M. The movie has received a 71% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which bodes well for its reception among audiences.
Fly Me to the Moon is part of a larger strategy by Sony to acquire distribution rights for films that Apple Original Films is looking to promote before they appear on their streaming service. The film is set to be shown in 3,300 theaters, including some premium large format screens. While it faces stiff competition from established franchises like Despicable Me 4 and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, the movie’s unique storyline and star-studded cast offer a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.
Interestingly, another film making its debut this weekend is Longlegs, an R-rated genre picture directed and written by Oz Perkins. Starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe, the movie is generating buzz with its mysterious marketing campaign and stellar reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. As a second wide release alongside Fly Me to the Moon, Longlegs presents a different option for moviegoers seeking a darker and more suspenseful experience at the cinema.
Neon, the production company behind Longlegs, has been making strides in the industry with successful releases like Immaculate. Despite modest budgets, Neon has been able to secure profitable deals for their films through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing tactics. With plans to expand internationally, Neon’s collaboration with Black Bear on Longlegs demonstrates their commitment to bringing diverse stories and themes to the forefront of cinema.
Sony’s Fly Me to the Moon represents a proactive effort to engage female audiences and offer a fresh perspective on the romantic comedy genre. As the film competes with established franchises and new releases, its success will depend on its ability to resonate with viewers and stand out in a crowded marketplace. With a talented cast, engaging storyline, and positive early reviews, Fly Me to the Moon has the potential to attract a diverse audience and carve out its own space in the competitive world of cinema.