Disney is back at the box office with a makeover of yet another one of its intellectual properties. Inspired by A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories, the live-action Christopher Robin [WINPO] stars Ewan McGregor [EMCGR] as the adult version of title character who used to have childhood adventures in the Thousand Acre Wood. His old stuffed animal friends led by Winnie-the-Pooh return to help him rediscover the joy of life. Disney has uncharacteristic embargoed reviews until late Thursday, which indicates a lack of faith for a positive outcome. Maybe they fear parents will think the PG-rated film is too slow paced for kids. Winnie-the-Pooh toons were more melancholy than looney. Advance ticket sales for Christopher Robin are pacing ahead of another hybrid update Peter Rabbit, which debuted in February with $25 million. Playing in 3602 theaters, Christopher Robin could book $32 million in a close race for the top spot.
After setting a franchise best opening, Mission: Impossible – Fallout [MISS6] is likely to descend more than 50% in its second weekend to $30 million.
Mila Kunis [MKUNI] and Kate McKinnon [KAMCK] team up for the R-rated action comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me [TSWDM]. Lionsgate found success last August with The Hitman’s Bodyguard, but releasing another spy film a week after Mission: Impossible is a questionable move. Sneaking into 3111 theaters, The Spy Who Dumped Me could hit $16 million.
Fox courts female teens with the PG-13 rated sci-fi The Darkest Minds [DRKMN] based on the YA novel. Unfortunately, the dystopian genre is all played out and only hardcore fans are likely to turn out. Showing in 3127 theaters, The Darkest Minds may gather $7 million
Teen Titans GO! To the Movies [TNTNG] is likely to drop 50% in its second session to $5.5 million.
A24 expands Eighth Grade [8THGR] wide into 1080 theaters after grossing $3 million from 3 weeks of limited release. The R-rated drama could ride excellent buzz and reviews to $3 million.
Pure Flix targets Trump voters with Death of a Nation [DOAN]. The political documentary may tally $2 million from 1002 theaters.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): WINPO, EMCGR, MISS6, MKUNI, KAMCK, TSWDM, DRKMN, TNTNG, 8THGR, DOAN