The box office landscape is ever-shifting, particularly with the recent releases from Universal and DreamWorks Animation. Their latest animated feature, an adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s beloved character “Dog Man,” has already garnered significant attention, earning $1.36 million in preview screenings. Comparatively, this performance falls in line with previous animated hits such as “The Bad Guys” and “Trolls Band Together,” which launched with $1.15 million and $1.3 million in previews, respectively. Expectations are particularly high for “Dog Man,” with predictions suggesting it could cross the $20 million mark in its opening weekend.
According to Quorum data, “Dog Man” has surpassed initial tracking numbers, reflecting a notable shift in audience sentiment. Just weeks prior, it was lagging behind “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” which debuted to $23 million. However, current metrics reveal a surge in both awareness and interest among parents—especially those under 35. This demographic is crucial, as they represent a strong portion of ticket buyers. Furthermore, the movie’s positive reception—scoring 4.5 stars among audiences in exit polling—suggests it could resonate well beyond the box office threshold of $20 million. Speculations about reaching as high as $30 million now appear more plausible.
Critical responses to “Dog Man” are also promising, with Rotten Tomatoes showing a fresh rating of 77% among reviewers. The film’s rollout across 3,885 theaters is likely to support its box office ambitions. As moviegoers look for family-friendly options, the performance of “Dog Man” could set a benchmark for animated features in 2023.
Conversely, the horror genre has its own intriguing developments. New Line’s R-rated “Companion” has emerged as a strong contender, currently rated with four stars in audience exits and boasting a remarkable 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its initial projections of $8 million to $11 million, its preview earnings of $1.1 million have initiated a reevaluation of its potential success. Enhanced marketing efforts appear to have paid off, with a significant increase in audience anticipation following the release of a compelling trailer.
The horror movie landscape has seen substantial fluctuations in recent years. “Companion” has demonstrated the power of marketing in shifting perceptions, as it went from an estimated opening below $5 million to being on track for a much stronger performance. Historical comparisons within the genre, such as “Violent Night” and “M3GAN,” illustrate the potential for R-rated horror films to exceed expectations when they resonate with viewers.
As the market continues to diversify with both animated and horror offerings, the interplay between audience demographics and critical reception will play a vital role in determining success. With films like “Dog Man” appealing to families and “Companion” targeting horror enthusiasts, 2023 is slated to be a pivotal year for various cinematic stories. The upcoming weeks will provide further insight into the trajectory of these films and the overall box office landscape as it adapts to evolving consumer preferences.