Title: Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible” Sees Decline in Second Weekend as Barbie and Oppenheimer Take the Box Office by Storm
Paramount’s latest installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, “Dead Reckoning Part One,” experienced a considerable decline in its second weekend, losing its footing to some fierce competition in the box office race. Warner Bros’ Barbie and Universal’s Oppenheimer proved to be formidable adversaries, drawing audiences away from Ethan Hunt’s thrilling adventures.
With a staggering 65% decline, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” grossed $19.3 million in its second weekend. This unexpected drop can be attributed to the much-anticipated releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer, which held their ground against the famed spy franchise.
Barbie, in particular, made a strong impact, raking in an estimated $72 million in its second weekend, with only a 55% decline. Experts predict that the iconic doll’s film will not only continue to captivate audiences but also steal viewership from Disney’s “Haunted Mansion.” Interestingly, the Disney film is set to lose its Premium Large Format (PLF) screens to Barbie, potentially affecting its overall performance.
On the other hand, Oppenheimer, which boasts an impressive storyline and impressive visuals, is projected to earn approximately $35 million in its second weekend, with a 56% decline. The film has secured a whopping 400 IMAX auditoriums, solidifying its hold in the box office arena.
Combining the projected earnings of Barbie and Oppenheimer, it is anticipated that the two films will generate a weekend box office revenue of around $107 million collectively. This showcase of their success highlights the intense competition in the film industry, making it clear that securing a spot at the top requires a powerful storyline and a captivating cast.
Meanwhile, Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” is expected to make a solid start at the box office, with estimates ranging from $20-25 million, potentially exceeding the $30 million mark. The previous adaptation of the popular Disney theme park attraction, starring Eddie Murphy, debuted at $24.2 million, eventually accumulating $75.8 million domestically.
Featuring an ensemble cast including stars such as Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Danny DeVito, and Jared Leto, “Haunted Mansion” has found resonance with a diverse audience, particularly families, Black, and Hispanic/Latin viewers.
Notably, the film’s journey to the big screen has faced a few hurdles, as the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike prevented the cast from attending the Disneyland world premiere. Nevertheless, the film will still hold Dolby Early Access Screenings on Wednesday and national previews on Thursday, providing ample opportunities for eager audiences to indulge in the supernatural mysteries of the Haunted Mansion.
As the box office continues to be a battleground for dominance, it becomes apparent that no film, not even a legendary spy franchise like Mission: Impossible, is immune to the competition brought on by fresh and enticing releases. Barbie and Oppenheimer have proven their mettle, leaving behind an undeniable impact on the movie industry.
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