While the Memorial Day long weekend continues in the U.S., the three day weekend estimates have come in, and they’re just not very good for any of the big debuts. Here’s what went down:
As predicted, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales debut at number on at the box office, but with only $63 million over three days. Those are just horrible numbers for what’s considered a tentpole franchise. While audiences who are actually going to the movie have been giving it good word of mouth, the critics absolutely savaged this fifth in the series, and it currently sits at an abysmal 32% fresh at Rotten Tomatoes. The debut for Dead Men Tell No Tales is the worst for the series, which will have to rely on making bank overseas for this to be considered a success.
Things are even worse for Baywatch, which had to settle for a third place debut with just $17 million. It’s surprising that the film couldn’t get people into theatres, even with the combination of Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. Reviews were off the chart terrible, and the film’s marketing failed to find a crossover audience. This will be one of the biggest bombs of The Rock’s career, but I have a feeling he’ll be ok.
As for the rest of the top five, Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume Two was in second place with an estimated $20.6 million. Alien: Covenant had a horrible drop off from its first place debut, falling 69% to fourth place with $11 million. The film looks unlikely to get past the $100 million mark in North America, as it currently sits at $60.5 million.
Everything, Everything closed things out in fifth place with $7.5 million.
So, to recap, here were our predictions:
1) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – $70 million
2) Baywatch – $40 million
3) Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume Two – $23 million
4) Alien: Covenant – $17 million
5) Everything, Everything – $7 million
And here’s how the three day weekend is estimated to turn out:
1) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – $63 million
2) Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume Two – $20.6 million
3) Baywatch – $17 million
4) Alien: Covenant – $11 million
5) Everything, Everything – $7.5 million
Next weekend sees the release of Wonder Woman and Captain Underpants. Be sure to check back on Friday to see our predictions!
