Box Office Preview: 'Deadpool' Looks to Break Records
"Deadpool" could break the February box office record this weekend as the 20th Century Fox production looks to score an $80 million opening.
Even though the Ryan Reynolds film carries an "R" rating, the movie has scored rave reviews and has a lot of buzz. Fox's viral campaign and their fun ads have really helped generate positive word for the film. Additionally, it has helped that the studio placed a Superbowl ad to generate social media word-of-mouth. It also helps the character has a huge, expanding fan base.
"Deadpool" carries a rather moderate budget of just $58 million. That is small for a superhero film compared to how much Disney has spent on their "Avengers" films.
Fox is already planning a sequel, and if the movie lives up to the box office predictions, it could become the second highest opening for a February film. The current record holder is "Fifty Shades of Grey." That movie made $96 million over the same weekend last year. However, it also received negative reviews.
"Deadpool" will compete with other films, including "Zoolander 2," the second installment of a series that already has an established fan base. The original film, which opened in 2001, made $47 million and has since gathered a cult following.
This new film reunites Ben Stiller with Owen Wilson and adds Penelope Cruz into the mix. The movie carries a higher budget than "Deadpool," but it is also looking to open with $25 million, which is a formidable goal.
The other release of the weekend will be "How to Be Single." That movie stars Rebel Wilson and Dakota Johnson from "Fifty Shades of Grey." The film has been trying to attract female audiences to the theaters, as they are unlikely to show up for "Deadpool."
Wilson has established herself as comic actress, especially in "Pitch Perfect." Shee too has established a huge fan base among younger audiences.
Meanwhile, Johnson broke out last year with "Fifty Shades." Unlike Wilson, she has not been tested at the box office as a lead. Her only lead role came from a franchise, so it will be interesting to see if Johnson can sell tickets on another project.
Expect the Warner Bros. film to open with $20 million.
Other releases include Michael Moore's critically acclaimed "Where to Invade Next" and Roadside Attraction's "Touched with Fire" starring Katie Holmes.