The Legendary and Warner Bros. is already an early hit overseas, where it debuted to a pandemic-best $123 million last weekend.
Legendary’s monster mashup debuts domestically on Wednesday in more than 3,000-plus theaters and 6,000-plus screens, a pandemic record as more and more indoor cinemas turn on the lights. More than 94 percent of the U.S. marketplace is now in play, but only 30 percent of Canada, according to Warner Bros. And there are already more than 10,000 private watch parties booked, likewise a record for the pandemic, says Warners.
At the same time, many cinemas have limited capacity, including in Los Angeles and New York City. On Tuesday, Los Angeles was officially cleared to the Orange Tier, however, meaning theaters can up capacity from 25 to 50 percent in the coming days.
To date, the the best three-day launch of the pandemic in North America belongs to Warners’ Wonder Woman 1984 ($16.7 million), which opened over Christmas during a second surge of COVID-19 cases that prompted a wave of theater reclosures, while Los Angeles and New York City theaters still hadn’t reopened at all.
Like Wonder Woman 1984, Godzilla vs. Kong is debuting simultaneously on HBO Max.
Analysts believe Godzilla vs. Kong has a shot at crossing $30 million for the five days in North America, which would be a huge boost for the film and exhibition business as more theaters reopen and the appetite for moviegoing is tested. While that’s not close to what a big-budget pic would hope to make in normal times, it would be a significant improvement.
“I don’t expect to see anything close to China box office numbers, but I think we should hopefully see a decent step up in North America from other recent Hollywood releases,” says Wall Street analyst Eric Handler of MKM Partners.
Separately on Tuesday, Warner Bros. announced it is pushing back the release of Mortal Kombat by one week from April 16 to April 23. Insiders say it gives the movie more breathing room from Godzilla, including more access to premium venues. Also, cinemas are expected to be able to increase capacity as each week passes
Godzilla Vs. Kong (HBO Max, 3:01 a.m.): “For a movie whose appeal is as elemental as ‘big monsters fight good,’ Godzilla Vs. Kong has a lot of characters (too many, really) and a whole lot of plot, much of which will make you sound as batty as good old Bernie if you try to explain it aloud. That’s okay, though. Much like its giant stars’ 1962 title fight, this is a thoroughly unserious film, with a bombastic score, wisecracking sidekicks, evil CEOs, radioactive battle axes, a titan-sized defibrillator, and even a moment reminiscent of the infamous ‘Martha’ scene from Batman V Superman.” Read the rest of Katie Rife’s review. It stars Rebecca Hall, Alexander Skarsgård, Kaylee Hottle, Brian Tyree Henry, Millie Bobby Brown, and Julian Dennison.
Wild cards
Haunted: Latin America (Netflix, 3:01 a.m.): Director Adrián García Bogliano combines reality and horror in this new docuseries, which will feature interviews with people who can’t explain events that they’ve experienced—from entities inside their home to seeing the devil to full-blown possessions. Some of these events will come to life in the form of spooky and dramatic reenactments.
K-Pop Evolution (YouTube, 12 p.m., series premiere): This YouTube original (yes, that’s a thing) documents the rise and phenomenal success of Korean pop music worldwide, charting how it became a $10 billion global industry.
American Housewife (ABC, 8:30 p.m., season finale): In the final episode of season five, titled “The Election,” the central Otto family gets a surprise of a lifetime. The episode guest stars include Joel McHale, Jim Rash, Jake Choi, and Matt Shively.
Resident Alien (Syfy, 10 p.m., season finale): Syfy’s dramedy starring Alan Tudyk wraps up season one with episode 10, “Heroes Of Patience,” in which Harry faces his newfound humanity as he nears the end of his mission. A second season is already commissioned.
Back (IFC, season premiere): Season two of this acerbic British comedy will make its U.S. debut with two episodes. In it, Stephen (David Mitchell) is back at his provincial pub after spending time at the wellness center and a rival pub has opened. Written by Veep’s Simon Blackwell, Back also stars Robert Webb, Penny Downie, Louise Brealey, and Geoff McGivern. The show is also available to binge on AMC+.
