Cinemas will see a surge of family films, highlighted by DreamWorks Animation and Universal’s adaptation of Peter Brown’s bestselling novel, The Wild Robot. Opening in approximately 3,900 theaters, the film is projected to earn over $20 million during its debut, appealing more to female audiences compared to last weekend’s Transformers One, which opened with $24.6 million.
The Wild Robot is expected to attract a substantial audience, with 380 IMAX screens hosting all primetime showings. In addition, the film will benefit from nearly 900 premium large format (PLF) screens, including Dolby Cinema and 3D presentations, with previews set to begin Thursday at 2 PM.
Universal is positioning The Wild Robot as a serious Oscar contender, having previously promoted it at CinemaCon and San Diego Comic-Con, where a life-sized robot representing the film’s protagonist, Roz, was unveiled. The movie, which recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, received a commendable 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Directed by Chris Sanders, a three-time Oscar nominee known for How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch, The Wild Robot follows Roz, a robot who becomes shipwrecked on a deserted island. As she learns to navigate her new environment, she forms bonds with the island’s animals and becomes the guardian of an orphaned gosling. The voice cast includes Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, and Mark Hamill.
Internationally, The Wild Robot has already earned $8 million from eight markets, with further expansions planned in 21 additional territories, including Mexico and Central America.
Meanwhile, Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, a $120 million dystopian drama featuring a star-studded cast, is projected to open between $5 million and $7 million. The film premiered at the New York Film Festival and has been screening in select theaters. Despite mixed reviews, anticipation remains high, especially for its IMAX presentations.
As for Transformers One, it is expected to hold steady with a 50% drop, bringing in around $12 million in its second weekend. The film’s total gross currently stands at $25.8 million.
Additionally, IFC is releasing the horror film Azrael, starring Samara Weaving, which explores themes of survival in a silent, oppressive community.
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