Universal/Warner Bros/Amblin’s “Twisters” is making waves with an $80M opening weekend, comparable to last year’s “Oppenheimer.” Despite a 16% drop from Friday’s previews ($32.2M) to Saturday ($27M), it surpassed the Saturday earnings of notable films like “Oppenheimer” ($26.2M) and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” ($26.4M). The film’s total opening fell just $2.4M short of “Oppenheimer’s” $82.4M three-day debut.
Twisters- Context and Competition
In pre-Covid times, a tentpole like “Twisters” wouldn’t typically premiere before a major release like the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine.” However, due to production timelines, it couldn’t be released earlier in the summer. Despite this, the film is expected to maintain momentum through August, benefiting from a lighter release schedule.
Michael Crichton’s Legacy
Sixteen years after his passing, Michael Crichton’s influence remains strong, with “Twisters” topping the box office and his book “Eruption” becoming a bestseller. The film’s success is a testament to Crichton’s enduring impact on popular culture.
Box Office Highlights
- Despicable Me 4: Held the No. 2 spot with a $23.8M third weekend (-45%), reaching a cumulative total of $259.4M.
- Inside Out 2: Estimated $12.6M for its sixth weekend, bringing its total to over $596M.
- Longlongs: A strong second weekend with $11.7M (-48%), totaling $44.6M in ten days.
- A Quiet Place: Day One: Fourth weekend earned $6M (-47%), with a cumulative total of $127.5M.
Audience Reception
“Twisters” received an A- CinemaScore and 4.5 stars on PostTrak. The film’s appeal is broad, particularly in the middle of the country, with high engagement from the 18-34 demographic. The diverse audience breakdown includes 51% Caucasian, 26% Latino and Hispanic, 10% Black, and 9% Asian-American.
Marketing and Star Power
Universal’s marketing campaign emphasized the film’s fun and exciting nature, resonating well with audiences. The star power of Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, and Daisy Edgar-Jones has been a significant draw, with Powell’s appearances boosting ticket sales.
Future Prospects
“Twisters” shows potential to reach $80M, with its current trajectory and strong audience reception. As it continues to perform well in various demographics and geographic areas, it stands to benefit from the upcoming release schedule and continued marketing efforts.
Conclusion
“Twisters” has made a significant impact with its opening weekend, drawing comparisons to blockbuster films and securing a strong position in the box office. With its appeal across diverse audiences and effective marketing, it is poised for continued success.
