Friday Estimates: Legend Indeed

December 15, 2007

I Am Legend and Alvin and the Chipmunks both out-performed expectations on Friday to kick-start the Holiday Season and break a long dry spell at the box office. After opening with about $30 million on Friday, Legend will be Will Smith's biggest opening weekend ever, at least in dollar terms. Adjusted for ticket price inflation, its opening looks like being on par with 1996's Independence Day -- around $80 million.

Alvin and the Chipmunks had a much smaller first day with $13.2 million, according to our estimates, but that's arguably an even bigger surprise. It's 50% ahead of the opening day for The Golden Compass, which was expected to be one of the main money-earners over the holidays. Compass pulled in an anaemic $2.96 million on Friday to finish in 3rd place, and is looking at a 60% weekend-to-weekend drop in box office.

- Friday Estimates

Filed under: Friday Estimates, I am Legend, Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Golden Compass