Spider-Man Holds Court While Dinosaurs Invade Multiplexes
Sony and Marvel's "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" shows no signs of slowing down heading into its third weekend in theaters, even as two dinosaur-themed films attempt to carve out their own prehistoric turf. Warner Bros.' "The End of Oak Street" and Paramount's "PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie" both posted encouraging Thursday preview numbers, but neither is expected to unseat the reigning champion. [1]
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Marches Toward $2 Billion
Director Destin Daniel Cretton's Tom Holland-led superhero film has already rewritten the record books. Just 12 days into its theatrical run, it became the year's highest-grossing film with $1.68 billion globally, and it also became the fastest title to cross the $700 million mark at the domestic box office. [2] Analysts project it will bring in another $65 million to $70 million this weekend — a roughly 55% decline from its prior frame — and it is on track to cross $2 billion worldwide in the coming days. [1]
'The End of Oak Street' Eyes a Solid Debut
Warner Bros.' "The End of Oak Street" opened Thursday previews with $2.5 million, making it the stronger of the two new wide releases competing for the weekend's runner-up position. [1] The film, directed by David Robert Mitchell — best known for the 2014 horror hit "It Follows" — is based on his own original script and is produced by Bad Robot. [2]
The story follows a family in the early 1980s whose suburban neighborhood is mysteriously transported to a world overrun by prehistoric predators. Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery star in the sci-fi survival film, which opened in 3,400 North American theaters. [2] Warner Bros. is projecting a domestic opening weekend of $18 million to $23 million, while analysts suggest the film could land between $20 million and $30 million domestically, with an additional $20 million to $25 million internationally. [1]
With a production budget above $80 million, the film will need sustained momentum to reach profitability. [1] Its critical reception offers some reason for optimism: "The End of Oak Street" holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [2] Hollywood Reporter chief film critic David Rooney described the movie as "mindlessly entertaining in a big-dumb-fun kind of way." [2] At the film's premiere, Hathaway told THR she was grateful "that audiences want to go see original things, and this movie is really original." [2]
'PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie' Aims for Family Audiences
The animated franchise's third theatrical installment pulled in $1.9 million from Thursday and paid Saturday previews combined, setting up what Paramount hopes will be a mid-to-high teens opening weekend domestically. [2] The film is playing in more than 3,500 North American locations and has already surpassed $35.4 million across 30 international markets ahead of its domestic debut. [2]
"The Dino Movie" carries a production budget of $39.5 million, split between Paramount and franchise producer Spin Master Entertainment. [1][2] Director Cal Brunker's film features voice performances from Carter Young, Mckenna Grace, Terry Crews, Jennifer Hudson, and Snoop Dogg, as the beloved canine heroes venture into a world populated by dinosaurs. [2]
The franchise has demonstrated reliable staying power at the box office. The previous entry, 2023's "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie," opened to $22.7 million domestically and climbed to $205 million globally — a significant improvement over the $144 million worldwide total earned by the 2021 original. [2] The new film has earned an 86% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and THR critic Frank Scheck noted that, "while the material is thoroughly juvenile, the films impart valuable messages to their impressionable viewers." [2]
The Rest of the Weekend Landscape
Beyond the prehistoric double feature, Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" is expected to add $17 million to $20 million in its fifth weekend of release, maintaining a steady presence in the top five. [1] A trio of smaller new releases round out the chart: thriller "The Rivals of Amziah King," starring Matthew McConaughey; Kristen Stewart-led stoner comedy "The Wrong Girls"; and "The Brink of War" — all of which are projecting single-digit opening weekends. [1][2]
What to Watch Next
The key question heading into next week is whether "The End of Oak Street" can sustain enough word-of-mouth to build on its opening and justify its $80-million-plus price tag through the traditionally softer late-summer corridor. [1] Meanwhile, all eyes remain on "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and precisely when it will cross the $2 billion global milestone — a threshold that, given its current trajectory, appears to be a matter of days rather than weeks. [1]
