Estimates are in for Friday’s box office, and they indicate a robust return to the big screen for one of Disney’s most iconic features. With a reported $8.8 million from 2,330 locations, the 3D re-issue of The Lion King is on track to win the weekend with $18 million. That represents a significant jump from earlier projections, which had the family favorite taking in between $10 and $15 million. In second place, Contagion took a relatively modest 42% hit entering its sophomore frame - putting it well ahead of the weekend’s three new titles. Of those, Drive had the best showing with an estimated $4 million from 2,886 venues – though the film’s projected $10 million weekend would put it a bit below expectations. Finally, Straw Dogs and I Don’t Know How She Does It fared about as well as anyone could expect on this low voltage weekend. Neither newbie is expected to gross much more than $6 million by Sunday. Details and analysis tomorrow.
Title |
Friday |
Total |
|
1 |
The Lion King 3D |
$8,800,000 |
$8.8 |
2 |
Contagion |
$4,600,000 |
$34.3 |
3 |
Drive |
$4,000,000 |
$4 |
4 |
Straw Dogs |
$2,000,000 |
$2 |
5 |
The Help |
$1,900,000 |
$142.8 |
6 |
I Don’t Know How She Does It |
$1,600,000 |
$1.6 |