Updated: Deadline’s estimates turned out to be off the mark, with “Cowboys & Aliens” notably earning less than was first reported. “The Smurfs” actually took the top spot Friday — details on the real numbers here.
Projections for “Cowboys & Aliens” were all over the map ahead of Friday’s opening, which makes it difficult to say how the anticipated $17 million Friday haul compares to expectations.
Deadline, which reported the likely $17 million opening day, says the studio had a “lowball” projection of $45 million for the weekend, but some industry analysts had been eyeing as little as $30 million for the first three days.
Either way, three things are clear: the opening weekend figure, which appears to be tracking at the studio’s forecast of $45 million, will look soft in comparison to the massive budget, the gross will not reflect the star power behind and in front of the camera, and yet “Cowboys & Aliens” will claim the top spot at the weekend box office.
Forecasted at $32 million for the weekend based on a $12 million opening, “The Smurfs” looks set to overperform. Projections were looking for a debut in the mid-$20 millions.
Deadline, meanwhile, says romantic comedy “Crazy Stupid Love” earned $6 million Friday and is on track for a weekend in the $19 million territory. Consistent with expectations, the anticipated total nonetheless indicates that the warm reviews (currently at 73 on Rotten Tomatoes) created minimal late buzz.