The latest installment struggled over the Memorial Day weekend, securing 103 million US dollars in 4,381 North American locations over the four days, according to Monday estimates. It came in way under projections, opening with 84.7 million US dollars over three days, and just 148 million US dollars globally.
“Solo” represents the lowest opening for a “Star Wars” film since Disney took over the franchise starting with 2015’s “The Force Awakens.” As the first film in the sequel trilogy, “The Force Awakens” launched with a massive 248 million US dollars three-day total. A year later, “Rogue One” debuted with 155 million US dollars, while the most recent installment prior to “Solo” — “The Last Jedi” — bowed just five months ago in December 2017 with 220 million US dollars.
Cast member Chewbacca poses with photographers at the photocall for "Solo: A Star Wars Story" at Cannes Film Festival. /Reuters Photo
Cast member Chewbacca poses with photographers at the photocall for "Solo: A Star Wars Story" at Cannes Film Festival. /Reuters Photo
“Solo” did help land the best domestic Memorial Day weekend since 2014 when “X-Men: Days of Future Past” was the top film. However, it wasn’t enough to land the highest Memorial Day opening. That title still belongs to “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” which debuted with 139.8 million US dollars in 2007.
The second standalone “Star Wars” anthology film has received mixed reviews. It currently holds an A- CinemaScore, along with a 71 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Solo” was the only wide release this weekend, meaning the rest of the North American box office consists of a series of holdovers.
“Deadpool 2” slid to No. 2, where it made 55 million US dollars from 4,349 screens over four-days. That brings its domestic total up to 219 million US dollars.
In third is another heroic blockbuster, “Avengers: Infinity War.” The Marvel and Disney title’s scored 21.2 million US dollars in 3,768 locations. In five weeks, its domestic tally has topped 626 million US dollars, while globally it has made 1.9 billion US dollars.
Cast member Alden Ehrenreich poses for a portrait while promoting the movie "Solo: A Star Wars Story" in Pasadena, California, US. /Reuters Photo
Cast member Alden Ehrenreich poses for a portrait while promoting the movie "Solo: A Star Wars Story" in Pasadena, California, US. /Reuters Photo
“Book Club” landed in fourth during its sophomore outing. Paramount’s latest comedy took in 9.5 million US dollars for the three days on 2,810 screens. Its domestic total now reads 34.2 million US dollars after earning 12.5 million US dollars for the four-day weekend.
That leaves Warner Bros.’ “Life of the Party” at No. 5, with 6.9 million US dollars from 2,937 locations for the four days. Its three-day total was 5 million US dollars, while its three-week domestic grosses lands at 40.9 million US dollars.
Also in the top 10 is the little documentary that could— “RBG.” The title centered on the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made 1.5 million US dollars on just 415 screens over the four-day weekend. In four weeks, the Magnolia and Participant Media film has grossed an impressive 6 million US dollars.
“Solo” still boasts the domestic box office 23.1 percent compared to Memorial Day weekend in 2017, according to comScore. Meanwhile, the year-to-date box office is up 7.6 percent.
Source(s): Reuters