Refresh for latest…:: The last week has been a wild one, and clearly not in a good sense. With the coronavirus forcing the closure of movie theaters in such major markets as France and Spain (along with the previously shuttered China and Italy), the slowdown at the international box office continues and shows no signs of abating in the next weeks. Some estimates we are hearing in terms of global ticket sales impact are reaching $17B+ from January and through May, though this is an ever evolving situation. There is concern in distrtibution circles that the number could be even higher given the lack of new product currently due as studios have shifted several tentpole release dates, or are waiting to ride out the storm before dropping previously scheduled films.
In total, the Top 5 movies overseas this session, led by Sony’s Bloodshot ($13M), amassed $30.7M, that is down a staggering 85% from this same weekend in 2018 which included Captain Marvel and other Hollywood pics, and when China was open for business. It is hoped that China may get back on track for the May 1 holiday which could then see the release of some of the movies that were shelved when this all began during Chinese New Year. But the market will not have Bond (now moved to November), Mulan (currently undated) or the latest Fast & Furious flick (which has been pushed to 2021).
This weekend, France and Spain closed their cinemas while several other smaller markets did the same throughout Europe. So, we currently have the 2019 No. 1 offshore hub, China, offline, as well as No. 5 France and No. 10 Italy. Japan, which was No. 2 last year, is severely impacted as is Korea (No. 4 last year), and the UK has begun measures to limit capacity. However, we are told that for the moment UK audiences are still going out to the cinema despite overall softness. One source says, “Nothing is going to be unscathed from this.” Ultimately, it is thought that the UK will add measures to limit auditorium capacity to no more than 100 people, à la the Netherlands.
In terms of this weekend’s movies, Sony’s Valiant Comics pic Bloodshot led at $13M from 50 markets. Russia and Mexico were the best launches with $2.4M and $1.2M, respectively. It ranked No. 1 in most of Asia where star Vin Diesel is a big draw, but the lack of China for now on this movie is a hindrance. Disney/Pixar’s Onward, which kicked off inauspiciously last weekend, added $6.8M in 47 markets, passing $100M global.
Overall, drops were heavier than expected for many in light of the virus. Paramount’s Sonic The Hedgehog, which crossed $300M global, nevertheless saw a 76% drop internationally from last weekend.
In new plays DreamWorks Animation/Universal’s Trolls World Tour began offshore release in two SE Asia markets with just $200K. Blumhouse/Universal’s delayed The Hunt was also impacted with a $700K start in four markets that included a No. 3 launch in the UK.
Breakdowns on the films above and more are being updated below.
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