The Box Office has been a big question mark throughout the pandemic. While 2021 saw a resurgence throughout the second quarter, once we entered the summer numbers reflected the concerns over the Delta Variant. Free Guy surprised with a stronger performance and this week’s release of Candyman also added some hope that we’re seeing an upward trend again. Nia DaCosta‘s horror film written by Jordan Peele passed industry expectations with $22.37M in the first three days of its release.
What makes their success stand out from previous entries is that they are theater-exclusive. So, there’s no concern over the digital release and piracy affecting the film’s performance. It’s also a positive push towards the upcoming release of Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings. It’s the first Disney film since the pandemic started to get an exclusive cinema release. After the controversy surrounding Black Widow and growing uncertainty, these recent developments might support it’s potential to pass early expectations.
Candyman did see a slower start in its international release, but the legacy franchise does have a stronger cult following in the States. Still, the film cost around $25M, which it’ll easily make back in its domestic release alone. Free Guy also continues to surprise in its Box Office run alongside the children film PAW Patrol. Sadly, overall 2021 is still 50% behind from 2019 which is a given as the world is still adjusting. Disney’s Jungle Cruise also officially dropped the $100M mark this weekend while still being available on Disney+ Premier Access.
Source: Variety
