Tuesday official domestic box office numbers look bad for Disney's release strategy by making Mando and Grogu as a theatrical release. If the numbers don't pick up, it is on trend to finish below Solo's actuals, never mind the numbers adjusted for inflation. No update on international numbers. Still $63m.
While I get that Disney+, merchandising and theme parks will mitigate any losses by M&G, a catastrophic box office haul may damage Disney's ability to negotiate favorable terms for Starfighter's release (opening box office share) and access to premium tickets (e.g., IMAX screens).
Maybe it will all turn around and the film will leg out to Project Hail Mary-type numbers, but if not, then this release strategy will be seen in retrospect as a big mistake.
Next update will be after next weekend's numbers are verified.
by walberque_
3 Comments
I don’t want it to happen and I’m excited to see it, but…
Is it crazy to say that if Starfighter disappoints, Star Wars will be seen as a bygone IP that is no longer one of pillars of **modern** pop culture?
These are the wrong films at the wrong time. I still expect interesting results for Starfighter, given the cast, the context, the director, and a possible return to a more ambitious Star Wars. However, I think too much importance is being given to a film based on a TV series. I don’t see this enormous pessimism for other sagas.
I think the RLM guys are right, depending on how Starfighter turns out. Disney needs to put Star Wars on hold for like a decade and let the brand settle, then come back with a new trilogy set like a hundred years after the Sequels. Make it feel like an event again.