Blue Beetle Debut Shatters Box Office Records, Sends Audiences Flocking to Theaters
Despite initial skepticism, Blue Beetle generates buzz as enthusiastic DC fans flood social media with captivating images from the movie's opening night, hinting at a promising start for the superhero flick
Summary
Despite good reviews, DC's Blue Beetle is off to a rocky box-office start, with only $3.3 million in preview screenings.
According to anecdotes shared on social media, it seems that the movie is not attracting large audiences, as images of almost empty theater seats are being circulated.
Given Blue Beetle's unconventional release as a streaming exclusive, there may be lower expectations for its financial performance. However, a positive reputation among viewers could still positively impact the film.
DC's Blue Beetle has hit theaters, receiving positive reviews. However, its box-office performance seems to be starting off on a rocky note. Blue Beetle, which is the second-to-last movie under the old DCUE banner, will mark Xolo Maridueña's debut as the titular hero on the big screen. Initially intended to be a streaming exclusive on Max, the decision to release it in theaters is now being evaluated by WB and DC Studios based on its Thursday box-office numbers. Preview screenings on Thursday evening garnered $3.3 million, and estimates suggest an opening weekend of $28-$33 million. For context, The Flash, which was met with mixed critical and financial success, earned $9.7 million from its Thursday previews. However, it is worth noting that comparing Blue Beetle to larger, more expensive, and heavily marketed projects may not be entirely fair. A more relevant comparison can be made with Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which earned $30.1 million in its opening weekend following a $3.4 million Thursday preview.
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DC Fans Share Damning Images Of Blue Beetle Screenings
Before its release, Blue Beetle benefited from a strong fan-led marketing campaign. However, early photos suggest that the masses are not eagerly flocking to see DC's latest blockbuster. It's important to note that anecdotal evidence doesn't always reflect the broader truth. Nonetheless, social media is abuzz with images of sparsely filled theater seat reservation screens, which may not align with WB's vision for the film's online presence. Despite this, there's still enough time for positive word of mouth and the upcoming weekend to attract fans to the theaters.
On Twitter, user @lizardhospital shared an image that has caught attention, depicting the online reservation screen for Blue Beetle. The image revealed that only 16 tickets had been purchased across four showings at what seemed to be a large AMC theater. However, it is important to note that these images displayed reservations made a day before the actual showtimes, which may not fully represent the current seat availability. Nevertheless, the visuals still portray a significantly less occupied theater compared to the usual attendance for Marvel and DC movies a day prior to their premieres.
Referring to this, another Twitter user, @TrevorEMetcalfe, found amusement in the fact that only one ticket was sold for Blue Beetle at his theater, which amusingly happened to be located right in the center at the very front row. Similarly, @meteormajeure encountered a similar situation.
@WalterW89524632 followed suit and shared images from "the most highly attended screening in my local area [in the UK]." Although the pictures are not as surprising, each screen is still occupied by less than half of its available seats.
Nevertheless, not all posts are as startling. @joits demonstrates a screen that is gradually filling up with attendees, and the same goes for @SnwflkBlizzard's post.
It is challenging to evaluate the movie's preview night box office earnings and potential opening weekend performance due to the unique circumstances surrounding Blue Beetle. While it is projected to perform similarly to Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which was considered a financial disappointment, Blue Beetle's status as a streaming exclusive might lower the expectations for financial success. Additionally, if the film receives positive word of mouth following its generally positive reviews, Blue Beetle could potentially have more sustained earnings than other recent DC projects.
