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[kswiston]

Who report the actuals? Do they get blasted out to anyone on a mailing list, or are they like the NPDs where studios/investors have to pay for the privilege of getting the info?

mailing list. Studios release their own numbers.

 

[kswiston]

$247,966,675 is the Actual for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

 

[Obliterator]

$247,966,675 is the Actual for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

So essentially 248 million.

Damn barely missed 250 million

 

[Kagari]

$247,966,675 is the Actual for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Title updated, I rounded up.

 

[Oersted]

So you don't believe Star Wars is our modern mythology. That the reason the series is so strong is only cause it's a summer blockbuster with cool effects and not because it touches on timeless themes that everyone can relate to.

You missread my post. I commented on Star Wars being some kind of "prime example" for the examination of the themes, family, good and evil. The very fact we are talking about good vs evil, simplicistic black and white shemata, is already telling enough. If you look at the history, Star Wars, when being released, was the antithesis of examination. Movies like Taxi Driver, Bonny & Clyde, Apocalypse Now, Cuckoos Nest, Badlands and many more were examinations of the human psyche, of what makes us drive.

Star Wars was a space fantasy with clean murder, clean torture and black and white.

 

[3N16MA]

Close enough to 250.

Whoever predicted a 248M OW you can now claim your prize. The prize is nothing.

 

[NOLA_Gaffer]

Actually I do firmly believe he may have wanted it because it looks cool. Because it does.

Further they actually cut sequences that could have been a boon to merchandising. There was going to be a major speeder cheese that ended up being cut. The speeder toy still exists but without a cool action sequence attached to it I imagine it will hurt sales of that toy.

And in the finale

Spoiler

There were going to be capital ships duking it out as well, including some newly designed ships on each side that would probably make cool toys. But it was cut because they thought it would make the finale too confusing.

Wait, was this all filmed and then cut or was it just in first drafts of the script that never saw any camera time?

 

[Charles Foster Kane]

Pretty strong.

 

[Abounder]

Yes, I think that Disney and Lucasfilm had a lot of say in the inclusion of elements that could drive merchandising. Lucas himself was at the forefront of the modern trend towards merchandising the hell out of blockbuster films, as is evident in Return of the Jedi and all of the prequels. This film is no different. A lot of it is subtle, but

Spoiler

do you think one character got a custom painted X-Wing because it enhances J.J.'s artistic vision? It's there to sell two X-Wing toys instead of one.

(extremely mild spoiler that I wouldn't even classify as a spoiler if this wasn't Star Wars, leading people to be hypersensitive to spoilers)

Yes, the creators are still striving to create a fun movie going experience that adds to the existing Star Wars universe instead of detracting from it, but these films exist to make money. The Force Awakens was a better film than Jurassic World, but acting like it belongs on a special pedestal far removed from that film is silly. Acting like differences in quality is what's leading to differences in box office gross is also silly.

Merchandising is huge but it follows the creative process rather than dictate it, otherwise Kathleen Kennedy and JJ wouldn't get a female lead for the trilogy, or star a relatively unknown black actor. Especially considering the question marks in emerging markets. Back to BB-8, googled an article saying it was JJ's creation for what it's worth but it is a group project

As for quality of blockbuster films I think it's almost necessary for these cinematic universe franchises to set a great impression (thus JJ delaying the film and rewriting Michael Arndt and George Lucas's story), especially to build annual hype worldwide. Trek 09, JW>JP3, Batman and Nolan/Superman, Spidey and MCU, etc. What a time to be alive

 

[DopeyFish]

So... That should mean unless there's a negative correction on OS... Star Wars takes world wide opening record. Nice.

 

[Gentleman Jack]

Close enough to 250.

Whoever predicted a 248M OW you can now claim your prize. The prize is nothing.

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

I don't buy trash



The execution being better doesn't change the intent though

The entire franchise was bought for $4 billion with the intention of making eight billion. Star Wars' purpose is to make money, the execution is literally what makes the difference between it being a cynical cash grab and an entertaining, endearing cash grab.

 

[Obliterator]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

 

[Lifejumper]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

The way the movie ended + 40th anniversary... i believe it will be close.

 

[Boke1879]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

It's hard to tell. With these movies being released more frequently the novelty wears off. I doubt it'll beat this one though.

 

[bananafactory]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

My gut tells me no - this one is special in that it's the first SW film in 10 years and there's also spoilery reasons why I don't think the sequel will open quite as big.

And depending on how much reviews affect opening weekend numbers - it will be extremely difficult for a second movie to be as well received as this one was.

But then again, May vs December may be enough to boost it ahead.

 

[Kagari]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

Let's ask Age of Ultron...

 

[MiamiWesker]

You missread my post. I commented on Star Wars being some kind of "prime example" for the examination of the themes, family, good and evil. The very fact we are talking about good vs evil, simplicistic black and white shemata, is already telling enough. If you look at the history, Star Wars, when being released, was the antithesis of examination. Movies like Taxi Driver, Bonny & Clyde, Apocalypse Now, Cuckoos Nest, Badlands and many more were examinations of the human psyche, of what makes us drive.

Star Wars was a space fantasy with clean murder, clean torture and black and white.

I never said it was a prime example just that it's very creation was based on mythology and themes that most summer movies don't ever care to dwell on. You cannot deny the impact Star Wars has had in our culture and it goes far beyond something that sells toys.

Star Wars is our generations modern myth. It will be passed down for generations. there is much more there than just oh this is cool. And don't get me wrong it's super cool, and it's empire is built on toys but don't try to down play what Star Wars means to so many people.

 

[Boke1879]

The way the movie ended + 40th anniversary... i believe it will be close.

Hmm didn't think of this. The marketing will be there sure but it being the 40th anniversary they'll go all out and then some.

 

[JayDub]

When is this opening in China?

 

[Arthr2ShdsJcksn]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

Maybe if it follows a Lord of the Rings trajectory in quality/word of mouth where each version did a little better than the last. I know I'm personally more interested to see how Rian Johnson handles Star Wars than JJ Abrams, but I doubt that will influence most fans.

 

[Chamber]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

I think it's the only really threat to that record until inflation pushes something else over the top.

I'm more interested to see how Rogue One does.

 

[ArmGunar]

When is this opening in China?

9th Jan

 

[Sulik2]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

I don't think so. This was the first good Star Wars movie since 1983 and had a ten year gap since the last film. That rabbid craving for new Star Wars has been satisfied. It will do great, but it won't beat this.

 

[Obliterator]

Yeah I dont think it beats it either but I wonder if opening in a Summer Slot will nake the difference to eclipse the opening of VII

 

[liquidtmd]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

If it opens in China near day and date with the rest of the world, the sky is the limit

 

[Bobby Roberts]

So a 3.07x multiplier gets it over Avatar domestically.

 

[Biggest-Geek-Ever]

Let's ask Age of Ultron...

Episode 8 at least has a few aces up its sleeve: the aforementioned 40th anniversary, a May opening vs December (for now, anyway), and

Spoiler

a returning character kicking all sorts of ass will be butts in seats.

The second might be the biggest factor; it could easily match TFA's opening but still fall short of the domestic gross by $200+M, which would be in line with Ultron.

 

[3N16MA]

So a 3.07x multiplier gets it over Avatar domestically.

I think it takes the domestic crown.

 

[ArmGunar]

One of the funny things about it not hitting 250 yesterday is that now the breakdown will look like this:

Days to 100 mil - 1
Days to 150 mil - 2
Days to 200 mil - 3
Days to 250 mil - 4
Days to 300 mil - 5

from boxofficetheory forums

 

[MiamiWesker]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

The second part of a trilogy always seems to do the worst. I doubt it.

 

[Interfectum]

Let's ask Age of Ultron...

Not sure how they're related?

 

[kswiston]

So a 3.07x multiplier gets it over Avatar domestically.

Ya. I think it will happen. I'm thinking that $800-850M is looking pretty good with some holiday boost.

 

[brandonh83]

The second part of a trilogy always seems to do the worst. I doubt it.

That's why they're gonna put Luke Skywalker in the trailers.

 

[inm8num2]

Enjoy it while it lasts, J.J. Trevorrow will reclaim the throne in 2019 with IX.

 

[Kagari]

Not sure how they're related?

Avengers 1 was massive and the thought was 2 would be even bigger.

 

[gimmmick]

God damn that's a lot of money. I wonder how big the drop will be for next week.

 

[Interfectum]

Avengers 1 was massive and the thought was 2 would be even bigger.

I dunno if that will apply here though since Episode 8 is almost required viewing for anyone who watched, and enjoyed, 7. Someone could stop at Avengers 1 and be okay. Also, superhero overload between the two movies.

 

[Xion385]

Let's ask Age of Ultron...

I still think had the Pacquiao/Mayweather not happened that Age of Ultron would be the highest grossing (before Star Wars obliterated the record). 4.4 million PPV buys at $100 definitely affected Ultron's box office. But I don't think Episode VIII comes close to TFA though. Maybe 80%.

 

[Anth0ny]

Now the next question to ask.....will episode VIII have a bigger opening than Episode VII

I can't imagine it will. 10 years of hype (arguably 32, really) went into the release of episode VII. While there will obviously be excitement around episode VIII, I can't see it topping VII. It also doesn't help that it comes out a mere 5 months after Rogue One.

You'd have thought Empire Strikes Back would have surpassed Star Wars, too.

We'll see.

.

haha this is great.

 

[kswiston]

One of the funny things about it not hitting 250 yesterday is that now the breakdown will look like this:

Days to 100 mil - 1
Days to 150 mil - 2
Days to 200 mil - 3
Days to 250 mil - 4
Days to 300 mil - 5

from boxofficetheory forums

$400M could happen in 6 days as well if Monday-Wednesday are strong enough. The pattern will break down there though. Thursday will have a big drop over Wednesday.

 

[Abounder]

Yeah I dont think it beats it either but I wonder if opening in a Summer Slot will nake the difference to eclipse the opening of VII

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 also releases earlier in May (if that means anything), but Ep8 does have the 40th anniversary, and probably 3D marathon tickets.

 

[Gentleman Jack]

I dunno if that will apply here though since Episode 8 is almost required viewing for anyone who watched, and enjoyed, 7. Someone could stop at Avengers 1 and be okay. Also, superhero overload between the two movies.

Yeah I think the closer comparision will be between Eps 7 and 9, since there will be 3 movies separating them and undoubtedly some extra media frenzies in between, which will more closely parallel the 4 movies released between Avengers and AoU, notwithstanding that Avengers is film 6 in the MCU and AoU is film 11.

 

[ratcliffja]

I dunno if that will apply here though since Episode 8 is almost required viewing for anyone who watched, and enjoyed, 7. Someone could stop at Avengers 1 and be okay. Also, superhero overload between the two movies.

Yeah Avengers 1 was huge because it was the first of its kind and not necessarily a plot point that everybody was anticipating. Avengers 2 likewise didn't have much in terms of plot that non-comic-book-fans would have anticipated. Without going into spoilers, Episode VII sets up a lot of anticipation for the sequel, which could mean even bigger numbers there, especially since the movie overall has very good word of mouth.

 

[kswiston]

Second entry in both of the previous trilogies were the weakest in terms of box office. I also think that the 18 month gap between VII and VIII and having Rogue One 6 months prior might cut into the hype cycle.

 

[Matt_]

I dunno if that will apply here though since Episode 8 is almost required viewing for anyone who watched, and enjoyed, 7. Someone could stop at Avengers 1 and be okay. Also, superhero overload between the two movies.

This dosnt make sense
Phantom Menace > Attack of the Clones
Star wars > Empire strikes back

 

[MiamiWesker]

That's why they're gonna put Luke Skywalker in the trailers.

Oh yeah it will still be huge but Ford is the bigger star and generally Solo was the more liked character. That said Luke is the main character so that will get people excited.

 

[kswiston]

This dosnt make sense
Phantom Menace > Attack of the Clones
Star wars > Empire strikes back

People forget about the portion of box office coming from repeated viewings.

 

[Gandie]

Just watched the Iger interview, he says there are five movies in active development. So that's

Rogue One
Ep VIII
Han Solo spin off
Ep IX

do we know the fifth film's deal yet?

 

[ratcliffja]

This dosnt make sense
Phantom Menace > Attack of the Clones
Star wars > Empire strikes back

Word. Although TPM was pretty awful still, and unlike the original trilogy, the prequels had by far their best entry in the last part of the trilogy.