Box Office Surprise: “Now You See Me” Tops “After Earth” in Midnight Battle

Tracking for only $35 million this weekend, Will Smith’s “After Earth” was already fixing to be an underwhelming domestic box office performer. But no one saw Thursday’s midnight results coming.

Far from spectacular in its own right, “Now You See Me” nonetheless surprised analysts by earning more from midnight screenings than “After Earth.” The former earned $1.5 million, besting the paltry $1 million for the Smith-and-son vehicle.

Most still expect “After Earth” to pull ahead this weekend, but it appears any hope of a upside surprise is out the window. The film is showing no signs of notably exceeding its $35 million forecast, which means “Fast and Furious 6” should cruise to another box office victory.

Brian Cantor

Brian Cantor is the editor-in-chief for Headline Planet. He has been a leading reporter in the music, movie, television and sporting spaces since 2002. Brian's reporting has been cited by major websites like BuzzFeed, Billboard, the New Yorker and The Fader -- and shared by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Contact Brian at brian.cantor[at]headlineplanet.com.

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Brian Cantor