After a seven-year drought, September has finally seen a movie opening that grossed over $100 million in a single Friday-Sunday span. Warner Bros., which faced a string of summer flops, is back in the game with the much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Directed by Tim Burton and featuring the rave return of Michael Keaton, this film has taken the global box office by storm, raking in a staggering $145 million in its opening weekend.
The Magic Of A Classic Revival
The original Beetlejuice, released in 1988, became a cult classic, known for its quirky humor and memorable performances. Despite its lasting appeal, its lifetime gross was a modest $74.6 million. Fast forward to today, the sequel’s opening weekend alone has surpassed the original’s total earnings, unadjusted for inflation. This speaks volumes about the long-lasting popularity of the franchise and the excitement that has built up over the years for another installment.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The $145 million opening isn’t just a fluke. It’s made up of an estimated $100 million to $110 million from domestic audiences and around $35 million from 69 international markets. This kind of performance is reminiscent of New Line’s It, which opened to $123.4 million domestically in September 2017. With that being said, now, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has even out beat the pre-sales of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which had an impressive three-day opening of $118.4 million.
Star Power Boosts Appeal
One of the key factors driving Beetlejuice Beetlejuice‘s massive opening is its impressive cast. Alongside Michael Keaton, who returned to his iconic role, the film features Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara. Ortega, in particular, has become a household name thanks to her role in the hit series Wednesday. Her involvement alone has generated significant buzz, particularly among younger audiences who may not be familiar with the original film.
A Global Phenomenon
Warner Bros. pulled out all the stops to make sure Beetlejuice Beetlejuice had a successful global launch. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it garnered a 78% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 41 reviews. Following that, a London red carpet event and a cast fan meet-and-greet in Mexico City helped drum up even more excitement. The movie is set to open in roughly 4,500 theaters in the United States, including premium formats like Imax, ScreenX, 4DX, Dolby, Dbox, and PLFs.
Additionally, nostalgia plays a huge role in the success of sequels, especially ones that come decades after the original. Because of this, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice capitalizes on this by bringing back beloved characters and themes that resonate with fans of the original film. However, it also faces the challenge of appealing to newer audiences who may not have the same emotional connection to the 1988 classic.
Future Films
The success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sets the stage for a money making fall and holiday box office period for Warner Bros. The studio is also banking on other upcoming releases like the Todd Phillips–Joaquin Phoenix–Lady Gaga sequel Joker: Folie à Deux, which hits theaters on October 4th. If Beetlejuice Beetlejuice‘s performance is any indication, Warner Bros. could be looking at a very profitable end to the year.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has not only breathed new life into a beloved franchise, but also set a new benchmark for September releases. Its record-breaking opening weekend serves as a testament to the film’s broad appeal and the effective marketing strategies backed by Warner Bros. For movie buffs and industry insiders alike, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice serves as a shining example of how to create and market a successful sequel. If you haven’t already, make your way to the theaters to check it out!
