Taylor Swift has once again proven why she is the reigning queen of pop. Her upcoming concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, has shattered presale records, raking in an astounding $37 million+ in the first 24 hours. This staggering figure not only surpasses the previous record held by Star Wars: The Force Awakens at $20 million, but it also marks a significant milestone for concert films in general.
The Power of the Swifties
One cannot underestimate the power of Taylor Swift’s devoted fan base, known as the Swifties. These passionate fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of The Eras Tour concert film, and their enthusiasm has translated into massive ticket sales. Female-skewing movies like Twilight are often front-loaded at the box office, and Swifties are no exception to this trend. They have flocked to theaters in droves, determined to catch a glimpse of their idol’s electrifying performances.
There is no denying that Taylor Swift is currently the hottest act in the music industry. Her live-action tickets are notoriously difficult to come by, leaving countless fans disappointed. However, The Eras Tour concert film offers a unique opportunity for Swifties to experience the magic of her live shows from the comfort of a movie theater. This exclusive release during a break in her extensive tour only fuels the anticipation and excitement surrounding the film.
Industry insiders are projecting a staggering $70 million opening weekend for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. This figure includes the impressive presale numbers, which are expected to represent approximately 50% of the film’s opening weekend revenue. If these projections hold true, the concert film will not only surpass all previous notable openings but also potentially dominate the entire domestic box office for the concert movie subgenre.
In a move that would surely thrill her fans, it wouldn’t be surprising if Taylor Swift made a special appearance at theaters during the opening weekend of The Eras Tour concert film. While there is no official confirmation of this, the timing is certainly intriguing. Swift is not scheduled to be on tour during the film’s release, and her next North American tour is not until 2024. Whether she graces theaters with her presence in person or virtually, it would undoubtedly enhance the already immersive experience of watching the film.
It is worth noting that despite the impressive presales, Taylor Swift’s concert film falls short of the first-day record set by Avengers: Endgame, which generated a staggering $50 million. The Marvel blockbuster went on to become the second highest-grossing film of all time worldwide. Nonetheless, Swift’s achievement in the concert film realm is undeniable and highlights her immense popularity.
AMC Takes the Lead
The distribution of The Eras Tour concert film is being handled exclusively by AMC through Variance Films booking. This strategic move by AMC has paid off immensely, as they achieved a record-breaking $26 million in presales on the first day alone. This surpasses their previous record set by Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, which garnered $16.9 million. The absence of Hollywood studios and streamers in the distribution further emphasizes AMC’s role in the success of the film.
Swift’s Dominance Over Previous Works
In a remarkable feat, the first day of presales for Taylor Swift’s concert film surpassed the entire gross of two of her previous film ventures, Cats ($27.1 million, 2019) and Amsterdam ($14.9 million, 2022), where she co-starred. However, it is important to note that those films were considered commercial failures, and Swift’s involvement was not the sole driving force behind their performance.
The overwhelming success of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film’s presales highlights the joy of experiencing extraordinary content in a communal setting. Wanda Gierhart Fearing, Cinemark’s Chief Marketing and Content Officer, expressed her excitement about the film’s performance, emphasizing the unparalleled joy that comes from watching the film alongside friends, family, and fellow fans. The film promises to provide a shared, musical experience like no other.
Taylor Swift has once again established her dominance in the music industry with the record-breaking presales of her concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. With an opening weekend projection of $70 million, the film has the potential to become the highest-grossing concert movie of all time. The Swifties’ unwavering support and the anticipation surrounding the film’s release have catapulted it into the spotlight. As fans eagerly await the film’s premiere, the question remains: Will Taylor Swift surprise her audience with an unforgettable in-person or virtual appearance? Only time will tell.