Signaling that the box office malaise for tentpoles isn't entirely over, 20th Century Fox and Marvel's The Wolverine may only hit $56 million in its North American debut after slowing considerably Friday night to gross $21 million for the day.
The superhero pic is still easily in the lead, however, and certainly isn't considered a bomb, though Fox was anticipating a $65 million opening, roughly on par with World War Z, which debuted to $66.4 million earlier this summer.
Wolverine was directed by James Mangold, with Hugh Jackman returning in the title role (the two worked together previously on the 2001 romantic adventure Kate & Leopold). The film opens four years after X-Men spinoff X-Men Origins: Wolverine played in theaters, opening to $85.1 million in early May and grossing $373.1 million worldwide.
Wolverine is doing huge business overseas, where it's opening in much of the world. The movie's long-term outcome should be boosted by strong reviews and a strong A- CinemaScore; X-Men Origins was roundly bashed by critics.
Set sometime after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, Logan (Jackman) has renounced his superhero powers and is living as a recluse in the Yukon. However, he's drawn back into the world when a Japanese man he once saved requests to become immortal. He also asks that Logan protect his granddaughter.
Fox spent just under $120 million to make Wolverine after tax rebates, a fairly reasonable number for a superhero summer tentpole.
Was certainly expecting this to get at least $60 million for the weekend but I guess it's not that surprising as the first Origins Wolverine flick was pretty bad. I thought this one was good though. I think Days of Future Past will still be huge though!
Looks boring, the trailers show no superhero action and therefore make it seem less like a superhero movie and more like a action flick starring an A-List actor.
Personally speaking I'm kinda over Wolverine being the focus of the X Men movie franchise. I was all for them exploring more characters with more Origins movies but the ones they announced were scrapped.
The first one was mediocre and there are just too many huge films this year. Nearly every weekend another huge movie is opening. People only have so much money to spend.
l'm getting tired of him being the center of the whole X-Men franchise, it would be nice to explore other X-Men. I probably won't be seeing this one in theaters.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine played in theaters, opening to $85.1 million in early May and grossing $373.1 million worldwide.
I had no idea Origins opened to that much. This is most likely going to be the lowest grossing X-men related film. It's ashamed cuz it looks so good, but I think people are ready for X-Men 4