The third installment in the “Magic Mike” series danced to the top of the box office ladder this weekend with James Cameron’s double header, “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Titanic” (yes that’s “Titanic”), shining close behind.
“Magic Mike’s Last Dance” earned $8.2 million in its first weekend in North American theaters, according to studio estimates on Sunday. Cameron’s “Avatar” sequel brought in an additional $6.9 million while the 25th anniversary “Titanic” earned $6.4 million from Friday to Sunday.
Film play in North America tends to stall on Super Bowl Sunday and studios react strategically, often releasing films that are more “targeted to women.” Star Channing Tatum also has several movies that perform well in the Super Bowl/Valentine’s Day corridor, including “The Vow,” “Dear John” and “Dog.”
“It’s not known as a football weekend spike for theaters. But there are people who want to go to the movies, even on Super Bowl weekend,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “And this is the perfect counterprogramming.”
“Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” which brought Steven Soderbergh back to the director’s chair, was given a modest theatrical release in 1,500 theaters. The film, which stars Tatum as a male stripper in love and introduces a wealthy philanthropist played by Salma Hayek, is made direct to HBO Max. But just like the “House Party” revival from a few weeks ago, Warner Bros.
The “Magic Mike” franchise has been profitable. In 2012, the first film opened for $ 39.1 million from only 4,000 theaters, on the way to earn $ 167.3 million globally (against the $ 7 million production budget). The second, “XXL,” was made for a little more ($14 million) and took in a little less ($122.5 million) in 2015. The success of the film also produced a Las Vegas stage show that has since expanded to Miami and London – in the lead up to the release of “Last Dance,” ticket sales for “Magic Mike Live” spiked greatly.
The latest installment reportedly has a bigger production budget, around $40 million, according to the entertainment trade.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” in its ninth weekend added $ 25.8 million worldwide, bringing the total revenue to $ 2.2 billion, taking the position as the 4th biggest film release but closing in on “Titanic.”
“Titanic” is being re-released in 2,464 domestic locations this weekend, with Paramount handling the North American release and The Walt Disney Co. in an international rollout in 51 regions. All told the film grossed $22.3 million worldwide, with $2 million coming from IMAX screens. “Titanic” has now earned an estimated $2.2 billion worldwide, maintaining its title as the third-highest-grossing film of all time.
In fourth place was the Super Bowl theme “80 for Brady,” in its second weekend, with $6 million. The Paramount release has grossed less than $25 million so far. M. Night Shyamalan’s “Knock in the Cabin,” a Universal release, rounded out the top five with $5.5 million.
“Super Bowl weekend is usually slow for movie theaters, and this one is no exception, but help is on the way with ‘Ant-Man,'” Dergarabedian said. “It’s going to start a chain reaction that’s going to take a year.”
Marvel/Disney’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” opens in theaters on February 17.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore, with Wednesday through Sunday in parentheses. The final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” $8.2 million.
2. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” $6.9 million.
3. “Titanic,” $6.4 million.
4. “80 for Brady,” $6 million.
5. “Beat the Cabin,” $5.5 million.
6. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” $5.5 million.
7. “A Man Called Otto,” $2.6 million.
8. “Gone,” $2.6 million.
9. “M3GAN,” $2.4 million.
10. “Airplane,” $1.2 million.
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