Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic “Elvis” shook up theaters with an estimated $30.5 million in weekend ticket gross sales, however — in a box-office rarity — “Elvis” tied “Top Gun: Maverick,” which additionally reported $30.5 million, for No. 1 in theaters.
Final figures Monday, as soon as Sunday’s grosses are tabulated, will kind out which movie in the end received the weekend.
But for now, the unlikely pair of “Elvis” and “Maverick” are locked in a dance off (in case you favor “Elvis”) or a useless warmth (in case you desire “Maverick”). That it was this shut in any respect was attributable to each a better-than-expected opening for “Elvis” and remarkably sturdy continued gross sales for “Top Gun: Maverick.” The “Top Gun” sequel reached $1 billion in worldwide field workplace in its fifth week of launch.
“Elvis,” starring newcomer Austin Butler as Presley, got here into the weekend with expectations nearer to $25 million. Among current music biopics, a $30.5 million debut places the King forward of the tempo of Elton John (“Rocketman” launched with $25.7 million in 2019) although not in the identical class as Freddie Mercury (“Bohemian Rhapsody” opened with $51.1 million in 2018).
“I’m less concerned with who’s No. 1 and who’s No. 2, and I’m more concerned that we hit this big number given that this audience has been the slowest to return to movie theaters,” mentioned Jeff Goldstein, distribution chief for Warner Bros.
About 60% of the viewers for “Elvis” was over the age of 35. Older audiences have been among the many most hesitant to return to theaters within the pandemic however that’s altering — partially, Goldstein famous, due to “Top Gun,” which introduced again followers of the 1986 authentic.
“Elvis,” which price about $85 million to make, was propelled by sturdy evaluations (78% contemporary on Rotten Tomatoes), good phrase of mouth (an A- CinemaScore) and a glitzy Cannes Film Festival premiere. It added $20 million abroad over the weekend.
“Elvis” ranks as Luhrmann’s second greatest opening after 2013’s “The Great Gatsby” ($50.1 million). Luhrmann was on the cusp of starting manufacturing in Australia when, in an indelible early second within the pandemic, star Tom Hanks examined constructive for COVID-19.
“‘Elvis’ was a risky proposition: the music is dated, the character is not directly familiar, and the lead actor is unproven on the big screen,” David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research wrote in a e-newsletter. “But critics and audiences are responding. This is the Baz Luhrmann show, a music, dance and sex appeal spectacular — it’s a hit.”
Meanwhile, “Top Gun: Maverick” continues to soar. The Paramount Pictures movie grew to become the primary 2022 launch to achieve $1 billion in worldwide ticket gross sales, and the primary starring Tom Cruise to take action.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”