Weekend Estimates: Cars Off to Speedy Start

June 26, 2011

Pixar continues its run as Hollywood's most successful production house this weekend with a 12th consecutive number one opening -- a run that dates back to its very first theatrical release, Toy Story back in November, 1995. Cars 2 will be middle of the pack as far as Pixar openings are concerned, but enjoys a big lead this weekend with an estimated $68 million, somewhat ahead of predictions going in to the weekend. In second place, Bad Teacher is estimated at $31 million, also better than expected, which should mean that this weekend ends up ahead of last year.

Despite much talk of Green Lantern picking up traction during the week (a claim that was always a little dubious), the actioner fell 65% from its debut to an estimated $18.35 million. With a total cume to date of $89 million, it should cross $100 million, but that will barely cover the marketing costs.

In limited release, PASSIONE: A Musical Adventure opened with an impressive $17,294 in a single theater, which will almost certainly put it atop the per theater chart when final numbers are in (although Cars could shade it, depending on Sunday's numbers). A Better Life was also impressive for Summit with $60,000 in four theaters.

Also opening strongly was If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, which averaged over $7,000 in two smaller theaters and will expand. Turtle: The Incredible Journey also did great business at SeaWorld, but was less strong in other theaters, which pulled down its overall average to a little over $3,000 in 24 venues.

Filed under: Weekend Estimates, Bad Teacher, A Better Life, If A Tree Falls: The Story of the Earth Liberation Front, Turtle: The Incredible Journey, PASSIONE: A Musical Adventure