On the one hand, “Blade Runner 2049” convincingly ranked as Friday’s #1 film in the United States. Its $12.7 million Friday figure more than triples that posted by the day’s #2 film.
On the other hand, the number is disappointing given the film’s big budget, substantial promotion and connection to a popular brand.
The #12.7 million opening day paces “Blade Runner” for an opening weekend in the $32-38 million range.
Going into the weekend, analysts were expecting in the neighborhood of $50 million for the opening. Even that expectation, it should be noted, was modest in the context of the film.
Newcomer “The Mountain Between Us” was Friday’s #2 film; it earned $3.5 million on its first day.
New release “My Little Pony” earned $3.0 million for third place, while “It” took fourth with $2.7 million. “It” is on pace to cross the $300 million cumulative mark this weekend.
“American Made,” the day’s #5 film, earned $2.3 million.
