Aquaman made an early splash in Thursday night previews last night with an impressive start to kickoff its holiday run.
The DC Comic book adaptation grossed $9 million in Thursday night previews and with its Amazon and Wednesday paid sneaks which reached $4.7 million, the film’s total hits $13.7 million as we head into Friday. 19% of its Thursday night preview total came specifically from IMAX showings.
The Thursday preview number is in line with the $9.4 million made by Doctor Strange and the $10 million earned by Sony’s Venom. Both films’ Thursdays accounted for roughly 30% of their Friday, which coincidentally were both $32.5 million. Doctor Strange wound up with a 3-day of $85 million, while Venom saw $80.2 million, so that gives you an idea of where Aquaman could be headed over 3-days.
As for the Thursday preview reaction from audiences, exits were huge per PostTrak with Aquaman earning 5 stars from kids and parents, who made up 15% of the audience last night, and 4 stars from overall audiences who repped 85%.
Also getting started in Thursday night previews was Bumblebee with an impressive $2.15 million. It grossed $700,000 in December 8 sneaks which brings its current total to $2.85 million. Bumblebee will be one to watch the entire holiday season as its the best-reviewed film of the new wide releases at 94% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and it has to overcome the stench of past Transformers movies. Having seen the film last night, I think word of mouth will take this one far and viewers will be presently surprised by how good it is. This is also a family film through and through so expect it to surge as more kids are out of school starting today.
Staying strong, despite new competition, is Mary Poppins Returns which grossed $4 million yesterday. It was down a slim 17% from its Wednesday debut and now has a two-day take of $8.8 million. Also getting started in Thursday night previews was Second Act, starring Jennifer Lopez, which grossed $515,000. Not a horrible start considering the goal here is to recoup its $15.7 million budget which won’t be hard over the holidays. It’s not going to make waves, but it’s a smart business move for Jennifer Lopez.
Welcome To Marwen kicked off Thursday night previews with a not so great gross of $190,000. Critics didn’t like the film one bit with a 24% rotten score on Rotten Tomatoes and with a start like this, it’s going to be a long holiday road for this one.
As for last week’s holdovers, Sony’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Versespiked 4% over Wednesday with an estimated $2.9 million for a first week’s total of $48.1 million. Warner Bros.’ The Mule was also steady, -1% over Wednesday with $1.76 million and a solid first week of $25.7 million for the $50 million production.
