This weekend marks the release of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” the first instalment in the Planet of the Apes series under Disney’s banner after acquiring Fox. The film is anticipated to perform strongly, with a projected $50M+ domestic opening and a worldwide debut expected to exceed $130M.
Strong Projections
After the disappointing opening of Universal’s “Fall Guy, Jesus, God, Saint Mary and Joseph,” “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” aims to attract a younger male demographic, unlike its predecessor. With presales in the U.S. hovering around $3.1M, the film is poised for a robust domestic debut exceeding $50M, comparable to the opening of “War of the Planet of the Apes” in 2017.
Director and Production
Directed by Wes Ball, known for the Maze Runner series, this sequel is set 300 years after the events of the previous film. The movie benefits from opening during a period with fewer competing releases compared to its predecessor, enhancing its potential performance at the box office.
International Rollout
The global release of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” commences this week, debuting in key markets including France, Italy, Germany, and Korea on Wednesday, followed by major territories like the UK, Brazil, Australia, and Mexico on Thursday. China, Spain, and Japan will join on Friday. Projections estimate an international opening exceeding $80M.
Performance Outlook
Previous films in the franchise have performed exceptionally well internationally, particularly in mature European markets, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Korea. The success of “Kingdom” overseas will be influenced by the performance of local films, especially in regions like Korea.
Franchise Legacy and Promotion
The recent trilogy of Planet of the Apes films, spanning from 2011 to 2017, amassed $1.68 billion globally. The franchise, originating from the 1968 film based on Pierre Boulle’s novel, has grossed over $2.1 billion worldwide across its various instalments. The upcoming film has garnered significant promotion, including star-studded events and appearances by key cast members to engage audiences.
Other Releases
In addition to “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” Briarcliff Entertainment is releasing “Not Another Church Movie,” featuring Jamie Foxx as God and Mickey Rourke as the devil. The film targets a niche audience with modest box office expectations.
The debut of “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is poised to invigorate the summer box office, offering audiences a fresh chapter in the iconic franchise under Disney’s stewardship.
