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Twisters: A whirlwind success in the making
The cinematic landscape is abuzz with the latest natural disaster thriller, ”Twisters,” which has taken the box office by storm. With an impressive opening day haul of $32.2 million from 4,151 locations, the film is on track to become one of the top five domestic debuts of the year. This sequel to the 1996 classic “Twister” has exceeded industry expectations, setting the stage for a thrilling opening weekend.
A promising start for “Twisters”
The outlook for “Twisters” is now a staggering $74 million for its opening weekend, far surpassing earlier estimates of $50 million to $55 million. This places it in direct competition with Universal’s “Despicable Me 4,” which opened with $75 million. The top three North American opening weekends of the year are currently held by “Inside Out 2” ($154 million), “Dune: Part Two” ($82 million), and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” ($80 million).
The legacy of “Twister”
The original “Twister,” starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, was a groundbreaking film in terms of special effects and box office success. It became the second-highest-grossing film of 1996 and remains a favorite on cable TV. The sequel, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who was nominated for an Oscar for ”Minari,” features a new cast including Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos. With a hefty production budget of $155 million, “Twisters” aims to replicate the commercial success of its predecessor.
Positive buzz and future prospects
The strong opening weekend is a promising start for “Twisters,” but the real test will come when Disney releases “Deadpool & Wolverine” next weekend. Positive reviews and enthusiastic audience reactions, including an “A-” grade from Cinema Score, suggest that the tornado sequel has the potential to maintain its momentum.
Universal’s other success: “Despicable Me 4”
Universal is also celebrating the success of “Despicable Me 4,” which is projected to earn $23.8 million in its third weekend. The animated feature is set to surpass $250 million domestically, making it the third-highest-grossing North American release of the year, trailing only “Dune: Part Two” ($282 million).
The reigning champion: “Inside Out 2”
Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” continues to dominate the box office, ranking third this weekend with an additional $3.7 million on Friday. Now in its sixth week, the film is poised to surpass $590 million domestically, inching closer to the $600 million milestone, a feat achieved by only 14 other films.
Neon’s “Longlegs” and Paramount’s “A Quiet Place: Day One”
Neon’s horror film “Longlegs” is projected to earn $11.7 million in its second weekend, a solid hold for a divisive release. The film is expected to surpass $40 million domestically by Saturday. Meanwhile, Paramount’s “A Quiet Place: Day One” is set to add $5.9 million in its fourth weekend, bringing its North American total to $127 million.
A reflective closure
As “Twisters” continues to twirl its way through the box office, it joins a lineup of films that have captivated audiences this year. The success of these movies highlights the diverse tastes of moviegoers and the enduring appeal of both sequels and original stories. Whether it’s the thrill of a natural disaster, the charm of animated characters, or the suspense of a horror film, there’s something for everyone in the world of cinema. As we look forward to the next big release, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, reminding us of the magic of the movies.
