The eagerly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s cult classic, featuring Michael Keaton, has made a significant splash at the box office, garnering a remarkable $12 million in previews over Wednesday and Thursday nights. This figure positions it within the upper echelon of cinematic openings, especially when looking back to previous blockbusters. For context, 2017’s “It” set the record for September launches with an astounding $123.4 million, initially beginning with $13.5 million in previews. The comparisons don’t end there; the recent previews for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” also surpass those of “It: Chapter Two,” which achieved $10.5 million during its preview screenings.
However, it’s crucial to note that while these numbers are impressive, they don’t tell the entire story. The underlying dynamics, such as the differing demographics attracted to each film, could lead to divergent outcomes in terms of overall box office performance. Of particular interest is how “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” skews male versus female audiences compared to films like “Dune: Part Two,” which leaned heavily towards male viewers. Understanding these distinctions is vital for predicting how this sequel will perform against its predecessors and contemporaries.
The anticipation surrounding “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” isn’t just a number; it highlights larger trends in audience engagement, especially among female moviegoers. Early indications suggest that the film will resonate strongly with women, contrasting with the more male-dominated audience of “Dune: Part Two,” which reported a 65% male audience. Additionally, there is optimism that Latino and Hispanic audiences will enjoy the film even more than anticipated, broadening its appeal and potential revenue.
From a cinematic perspective, industry analysis suggests that the diverse formats in which the film was presented, including Dolby and IMAX, likely contributed to the heightened interest during preview nights. The fact that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” had the largest theatrical release this year, with 4,500 screens, underscores its broad availability for eager fans and casual viewers alike.
As the previews rolled in, critics began to weigh in on “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” offering mixed but predominantly positive feedback. Currently, the film boasts a 78% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score of 87%. This reception is comparable to its 1988 predecessor, which also held an 82% approval rating among both critics and viewers. While these scores hint at general enthusiasm, they also point to the challenges that sequels often face: living up to the nostalgic expectations of a beloved original.
Tim Burton isn’t a prolific sequel-maker, with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” marking just his second follow-up after “Batman Returns” in 1992. This positions the film as not only an attempt to recapture past magic but also to carve out a new chapter for itself within the franchise, which is no small feat given the original film’s iconic status.
As we look forward to the film’s full release, industry analysts predict a strong opening weekend based on this early success. The buzz surrounding the cast, including Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega, alongside the nostalgia tied to the original film, creates a unique anticipation that can translate into significant box office returns. What remains to be seen is whether “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” can sustain its momentum in subsequent weeks, ensuring its place in a competitive theatrical landscape. As updates continue to roll in, one thing remains certain: the excitement surrounding this sequel is palpable, and the industry will be closely watching its performance in the coming days.