This is it, the big U.S. holiday weekend in which Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” gets the biggest theatrical run of any film in six months, while Disney’s live-action “Mulan” tries its hand at a new kind of premium VOD along with a global rollout in select markets.
We’re a long way from knowing how things will pan out but for now it seems as if both have come in a little shy of expectations. First up there’s “Tenet” with The New York Times reporting that the film will collect an estimated $20.2 million by end of Sunday – pulling in that over the weekend and in previews throughout much of the week.
That’s the best domestic result since mid-March but down from the speculative estimates of up to $40 million touted last week (albeit including the holiday Monday). Film consultant David A. Gross calls the domestic turnout “fair” and that “audience concern with theater safety remains a deterrent… for now, this is as good as it gets.”
Cinemascore wise the film earned a B, one of the lower ones for Nolan who usually earns either a B+ or A from audiences. Around 35% of cinemas in the U.S. remain closed including the two biggest moviegoing hubs of New York City and Los Angeles.
Warners is said to be “very pleased” with initial results and have already stressed the film’s box-office will be a “marathon not a sprint” so a big opening weekend isn’t as important as the film performing consistently for several weeks.
“Tenet” is faring far better overseas where public health conditions are mostly better than in the United States and ticket sales have totalled $129 million after two weeks. It also collected $30 million in China over its first three days, a record for Nolan.
“Mulan” opened in some small overseas marks this weekend taking in $5.9 million. All eyes however are on its PVOD performance which is rumored to be weaker than expected. Deadline reports that according to “rival industry sources” they believe the film has not earned impressive pre-sales.
The film also did not make it to the top spot on Disney+’s “Trending” section until Sunday. It’s expected any official numbers won’t be revealed until the next studio earnings/investor call.