In the world of cinema, it seems that even the Hunger Games franchise is not immune to a bit of underperformance. Lionsgate’s latest installment in the series, “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” directed by Francis Lawrence, is currently making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Despite its top-place finish at the domestic box office, this Hunger Games prequel is expected to have a rather disappointing debut, with estimates pointing towards a meager $45 million for its opening weekend.
This cinematic journey delves into the origin story of one of the series’ most iconic villains, Coriolanus Snow, portrayed in this film by Tom Blyth. Alongside him, Rachel Zegler takes on the role of a charismatic young “tribute” who becomes embroiled in the brutal and deadly Hunger Games—a yearly spectacle in which teenagers fight to the death for the chance to secure financial security for their post-apocalyptic communities.
Now, $45 million might seem like a hefty sum for a weekend’s earnings, but when you consider the franchise’s past performance, it’s clear that the odds aren’t exactly in favor of “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” Its opening weekend take is less than half of the previous lowest-grossing entry, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2,” which soared past $100 million in 2015. The critical reception hasn’t been too kind either, with the film teetering on the edge of a “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes at 60%, and it garnered a B+ CinemaScore from opening day audiences. It seems like our villainous Snow may have encountered a chilly reception.
But wait, there’s more to this box office showdown! In a crowded field of new releases, Universal’s animated extravaganza, “Trolls Band Together,” managed to snag the number two spot with a Friday take of $9.3 million. This sequel to the ever-popular Trolls franchise had already made a substantial $70 million globally before its domestic debut, showing that those colorful, singing creatures still have quite the fan following.
Not to be left out, director Eli Roth’s slasher flick, “Thanksgiving,” is eyeing a third-place debut with a projected $10 million weekend. With $3.8 million in Friday earnings, this gruesome tale seems to have found its audience, despite its chilling premise.
And what about Disney’s “The Marvels,” you ask? Well, it’s not exactly living up to the superhero hype. In just its second weekend, this sequel is dropping to the fourth spot with a meager $2.8 million on Friday. With a reported budget of $250 million, it’s looking like a tough climb to recoup its costs theatrically. So far, it hasn’t even crossed the $150 million mark globally or the $60 million mark domestically. Ouch! Even superheroes have their off days.
Lastly, rounding out the top five is director Taika Waititi’s long-delayed sports comedy, “Next Goal Wins.” Originally meant to follow “Thor: Ragnarok,” this film encountered pandemic-related hurdles and casting changes. Reviews have been mixed, and it’s projected to earn $5 million in its first weekend after pulling in $1.1 million on Friday.
So, there you have it, a weekend at the movies filled with surprises, disappointments, and a touch of animated charm. It’s clear that the Hunger Games universe may need a bit more fire to rekindle its box office spark, and even superheroes need a helping hand now and then. As for the rest of the contenders, well, the box office game is as unpredictable as ever. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of cinema right here on FilmSweep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Box Office Performance
What is “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” and how is it performing at the box office?
“The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” is a Hunger Games prequel film directed by Francis Lawrence. It explores the origin story of the character Coriolanus Snow. Unfortunately, despite topping the box office, it’s expected to have a disappointing debut, earning around $45 million for its opening weekend.
What is the premise of “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”?
The film follows a young Coriolanus Snow, the last hope for the Snow family, who is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from District 12, in the 10th Hunger Games. The story revolves around their journey and the choices they make in a post-apocalyptic world.
How is “Trolls Band Together” performing at the box office?
“Trolls Band Together” is an animated sequel and secured the second spot at the box office. It earned $9.3 million on its opening Friday and was already a global success with nearly $70 million earned before its domestic debut.
What about “Thanksgiving”? How is it doing?
“Thanksgiving” is a well-reviewed slasher movie that’s eyeing a third-place debut with a projected $10 million weekend. It grossed $3.8 million on Friday, indicating a solid performance.
How is “The Marvels” faring at the box office?
“The Marvels,” a superhero sequel, is not performing as expected. In its second weekend, it dropped to the fourth spot with just $2.8 million on Friday. It has struggled to recoup its high budget and is lagging behind in both global and domestic earnings.
Tell me about “Next Goal Wins.”
“Next Goal Wins” is a sports comedy directed by Taika Waititi. It experienced delays but is now in theaters. Reviews have been mixed, and it’s expected to generate $5 million in its first weekend after grossing $1.1 million on Friday.
Where can I find more box office updates?
For more box office updates and the latest news from the world of cinema, stay tuned to FilmSweep.
More about Box Office Performance
- The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
- Trolls Band Together
- Thanksgiving
- The Marvels
- Next Goal Wins
- FilmSweep
