The anticipation for Universal/Blumhouse’s cinematic adaptation of the video game “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is palpable, with over $7 million in previews. One individual close to the production expressed optimism, suggesting the potential for a substantial hit. The film, releasing simultaneously in theaters and on Peacock, is expected to gross around $50 million, but there are wild speculations ranging from $55 million to $90 million. It’s advisable to maintain composure and allow this remarkable branded intellectual property to flourish amidst the uncertainties of an ongoing actors’ strike.
Thursday previews indicate an impressive start, with box office sources reporting over $7 million in earnings. However, there is a cautionary note that these earnings might be heavily frontloaded. Universal has not commented on these projections, so as a standard practice, it’s best to view them with a degree of skepticism. While the film primarily targets the under-25 demographic, it’s worth noting that comparable previews have been achieved by movies like “Ant-Man” ($6.4 million previews, $57.2 million opening), “Aladdin” ($7 million previews, $91.5 million debut), “F9” ($7.1 million previews, $70 million), and “Twilight” ($7.5 million previews, $69.6 million). It’s also interesting to compare these numbers to other Universal/Peacock day-and-date releases, where “Five Nights at Freddy’s” outperforms “Halloween Kills” ($4.85 million previews, $49.4 million) and “Halloween Ends” ($5.4 million previews, $40 million opening).
The movie, directed by Emma Tammi, has received mixed reviews, with a 25% rotten rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, for those eager to experience the film, reviews appear to be inconsequential. At a recent preview screening in Burbank, California, fans were exuberant, reminiscent of the fervor surrounding the release of “Twilight.” Viewers enthusiastically cheered for YouTube influencers making cameo appearances in the film, individuals known for their involvement in Five Nights at Freddy’s games. The plot twists, character introductions, and the fan-created end credits song by music artist The Living Tombstone elicited enthusiastic “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. If you attended the screening without being in costume, you were an exception. The diverse range of outfits sported by attendees was truly something to behold.
While some might prefer the comfort of their homes for movie-watching, it’s abundantly clear that the under-25 demographic is eager to experience this film collectively, transcending the typical attire associated with everyday life.
“Freddy’s” is set to screen in approximately 3,500 locations this weekend, including Imax and PLFs (Premium Large Format screens). Apple Original Films and Paramount’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” is expected to gross around $12 million, while AMC-distributed “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” is projected to continue serenading audiences with approximately $13 million in earnings. More details will emerge in the morning.
CinemaScore conducted polling during the preview, and the results will be intriguing to observe.
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