Warner Bros. has finally broken the seven-year dry spell of a movie opening to over $100M during a Friday-Sunday span with the long-awaited sequel directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. Surpassing expectations, the movie is eyeing a global start of up to $145M, which comes as a much-needed win for Warner Bros. after a string of summer flops.
With presales outpacing even the highly anticipated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has already captured the attention of audiences. The addition of megastar Jenna Ortega to the classic cast, alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, has further bolstered the film’s appeal. Unaided awareness is particularly strong among female viewers, setting the stage for a successful opening weekend.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice is set to premiere in 69 offshore markets, with an expected 75% international footprint. The strategic release plan includes launches in Korea, Italy, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the UK. The film has secured approximately 4,500 theaters in the US, marking a record-wide theater count this year.
Critical Acclaim and Awareness Campaign
The movie’s critical reception has been positive, with 78% fresh reviews on Rotten Tomatoes following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Warner Bros. took a smart approach to build awareness around the sequel, organizing fan meet and greets in Mexico City and hosting red carpet events in London. The nostalgic appeal of the 36-year-old cult classic has resonated with audiences, boosting anticipation for the film’s release.
Market Expectations and Audience Reception
Despite the strong domestic appeal of Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, international markets present a mixed picture. While Anglo markets like the UK and Australia are expected to perform well, regions such as Asia may struggle due to a lack of familiarity with the franchise. The film’s themes also pose a challenge in markets like China, where it was not cleared for release. However, countries with a penchant for Burton and Keaton’s work, such as Germany and France, are likely to embrace the sequel.
Competing Releases and Box Office Forecast
A24’s horror movie, The Front Room, starring Brandy Norwood, is set to debut in around 2,000 locations, but tracking data suggests a modest opening weekend for the film. With Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice dominating the box office conversation, Warner Bros. is poised to kick off a successful fall and holiday season at the box office.
The staggering performance of Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice at the global box office is a testament to the enduring appeal of the beloved franchise. Warner Bros. has effectively leveraged nostalgia and star power to propel the sequel to blockbuster heights, setting the stage for a prosperous season ahead.