The first wave of big new movies released since the beginning of the pandemic, including Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller Tenet and the long-delayed X-Men spinoff The New Mutants, arrived in theaters over the weekend, testing the waters of a radically different theatrical landscape.
Warner Bros.′ Tenet — the most hotly anticipated movie of the year and the one that has repeatedly positioned itself to lead the return of multiplex moviegoing — opened with an estimated $53 million overseas in 41 markets, including most of Europe, South Korea and Canada.
Given the circumstances, it was difficult to forecast the performance of the $200 million Tenet, starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki.
But the result exceeded the expectations of most. Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, called it “a fantastic start.” “Given the unprecedented circumstances of this global release we know we’re running a marathon, not a sprint, and look forward to long playability for this film globally for many weeks to come,” said Emmerich in a statement.
So far, it seems to be working. The overseas opening for Tenet was greeted by some as proof that blockbuster moviegoing can be resurrected even while the virus continues to circulate and large indoor gatherings are considered higher risk.
As part of their safety protocols, movie theaters are mandating mask wearing, cleaning cinemas in between showings and operating at 50% capacity to distance moviegoers usually crowded shoulder to shoulder.
In nine markets, including Ukraine and the Netherlands, Tenet did better than any previous movie directed by Nolan, including The Dark Knight. It was the largest opening yet in Saudi Arabia, which in 2018 ended its ban on cinemas. In the United Kingdom, Tenet accounted for 74% of ticket sales, Warner Bros. said.
In the U.S. over the weekend, the Walt Disney Co.′ The New Mutants, a critically panned horror riff for Marvel made by 20th Century Fox before the Disney acquisition, led the domestic box office with an estimated $7 million in 2,412 locations. Cathleen Taff, Disney’s president of global distribution, called it a success for times requiring recalibrated expectations.
“We continue to have faith and believe in the theatrical experience. We think consumers are ready to start having that experience with others sooner rather than later,” Taff said. “We’re encouraged. We’re very encouraged.” —Indian Express
