">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
"Transformers" sequel on track to beat first film
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Asia Pacific
World
Search
Search:
"Transformers" sequel on track to beat first film
Reuters - Wednesday, June 24
By Gregg Kilday
ADVERTISEMENT
LOS ANGELES - The Autobots and Decepticons begin slugging it out at the box office Wednesday as "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," Michael Bay's sequel to his 2007 hit, opens for business.
The Paramount/DreamWorks production is invading 4,626 theaters in North America, including 169 Imax locations. In many locations, screenings were expected to start just after midnight.
Since its box office domination is assured -- most competitors stayed away from confronting "Transformers" head-on -- the only question now is how muscular the alien robot tale, based on the Hasbro toy line, will be.
The first "Transformers" grabbed $155.4 million in its first seven days. By the end of this weekend, its sequel could hit a number in that same neighborhood -- but in just five days.
"This looks like it could be one of the biggest Wednesday openers -- with a shot of being the biggest," Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore said, predicting a five-day haul in the $130 million-$150 million range.
Paramount's competitors are betting the five-day number could climb higher than that, but Moore said, "'Transformers' should open bigger than the first one, but to forecast beyond that is a little insane."
Comparisons are tricky since the two "Transformers'" movies are adopting slightly different rollout patterns.
"T1," debuting in 4,011 theaters, opened on a Monday evening on July 2, 2007, and played through the Fourth of July holiday, which that year fell on a Wednesday. Fanboys flocked to the movie's Monday showings, which took in $8.8 million, and momentum built for its Tuesday and Wednesday screenings, dipped a bit on Thursday, and then rallied for a Friday-Sunday weekend of $70.5 million.
"T2" is forgoing early evening screenings -- movie theater owners have to wait until a minute after midnight to throw the switch -- so grosses from those midnight shows will roll over into the movie's opening Wednesday figure, which could rise to $35 million-$40 million. The Friday-to-Sunday number should outdo that of the first movie, checking in at $80 million-$90 million.
The suspense will be whether the newest "Transformers" can set a record along the way.
The five-day record for a Wednesday opener belongs to 2004's "Spider-Man 2," which notched $152.4 million. "Transformers" is likely to find itself in similar territory.
The mark for the biggest first five days, which belongs to "The Dark Knight" -- a Friday opener that raked in $203.8 million in its first five days -- is expected to stand.
Similarly, "Knight" also holds the record for biggest single-day and opening-day gross: $67.2 million, and that's another record that almost any film would be hard-pressed to topple.
Set "Knight" aside, though, and "Transformers" looks pretty formidable on its own terms. While Bay has been worrying that the studio hasn't gotten the word out, that doesn't appear to be the case. Tracking is coming on strong, and there is evidence that the movie's potential audience has expanded.
Movietickets.com reported Tuesday that the film, which now accounts for 93% of the online ticket seller's sales, had sold out more than 600 performances nationwide, including 274 midnight showings.
While men of all ages were primed for the original movie, younger women are showing almost as much interest as older males in the sequel, according to Moore. And even older women, many of whom will be bringing younger sons, are showing an openness to the movie.
"The cast is higher profile -- Shia has become a celebrity in her own right," Moore noted. That has contributed to the interest on the part of younger women, he said.
The rest of Hollywood has made Paramount's job easier by clearing a path for "Transformers." Competing studios booked May full of big-ticket movies -- "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "Star Trek," "Angels & Demons" and "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" -- but have mostly opened smaller comedies in recent weeks.
And since none of those earlier movies has turned into $300 million domestic grossers, the door is open for "Transformers" and, possibly, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," which opens July 15, to reach for those heights.
At the same time, "Transformers" is also breaking worldwide. It opened during the past weekend in the U.K. and Japan and bows everywhere else in the world this week, with the exception of India, where it will set down July 20.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle
Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville join Spacey filmReuters - Wednesday, June 24
"Transformers" sequel on track to beat first filmReuters - Wednesday, June 24
Kate Gosselin says marriage 'irretrievably broken'AP - Wednesday, June 24
David Fincher in talks for Facebook picReuters - Wednesday, June 24
Perez Hilton not backing down for using gay slurAP - Wednesday, June 24
Enlarge Photo
Actors (from L) Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Megan Fox, film director and executive producer Michael Bay and Shia Labeouf pose for a picture as they arrive for the Russian premiere of "Transformers.
Most Popular – Entertainment
Viewed
Boeing readies Dreamliner for first flight
Schwarzenegger in mid-air jet drama
Chubby people live longest: Japan study
Botox helps Australian stroke victim to walk again
Boeing delays Dreamliner for fifth time
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 24 June 2009 Correction: Iran-Election story
German teacher loses battle against pupils' web rankings
U.S. drone strike kills 45 in Pakistan
| International
|
Three German soldiers killed in Afghanistan
US to loan billions to Ford, Nissan for fuel economy
Firm providing US airport 'fast lanes' shuts down
Israel releases Hamas speaker of parliament
| International
|
Britain expels Iran diplomats as tensions rise
Obama: Iran must stop violence against protesters
Rich, poor nations seek deal for U.N. finance meeting
| International
|
Trial in Italy of Google execs to resume in September
Whales worth more alive than dead, says new report
US-TECH Summary
Iran says it will teach protesters a lesson
XBRL financial reporting faces hurdles
Boeing delays Dreamliner first flight again
Berlusconi denies ever paying for sex
| International
|
Fight against 'blood diamonds' comes under review
U.S., EU start WTO case against China on raw materials
| International
|
Britain expels two Iranian diplomats
Israeli PM faces call for settlement moratorium
U.S. aid worker shot dead in Mauritanian capital
| International
|
AT&T in deals with Motorola and Alcatel-Lucent
World powers pressure Iran over violent crackdown
Israel pushing for Hamas prisoner swap deal
| International
|
MySpace to cut 300 international positions
Iraqi Kurds seek change in parliamentary campaign
Nokia and Intel to collaborate on mobile computing
AT&T in deals with Motorola and Alcatel-Lucent
Australians convicted in daughter's starving death
5 suspected militants killed in Kyrgyzstan
SKorean in landmark case taken off life support
Storm strands passengers in Philippines: reports
Report: 3 North Koreans seek asylum in South
Washington subway urged to upgrade before crash
XBRL financial reporting faces hurdles
| Technology
|
Australia intercepts boat of asylum seekers
Wanted Indonesian may be hiding in Philippines
U.S. drone strike kills 45 in Pakistan
U.S. and Kyrgyzstan sign new air base deal
US accuses China of 'troubling' export limits
Sarah Jessica Parker has twins via surrogate
| Entertainment
|
Beckham wins damages over topless model slur
| Entertainment
|
TV show helps Utah boy survive night solo in woods
A rapper with his own cognac? Ludacris
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Former Czech president Havel turns film director: report
Young Beijingers dance to a Latino beat
Al B. Sure! returns with first studio CD in years
In late-night TV, second-bananas not second-rate
Ed McMahon dies at 86
New CD from Black Eyed Peas drops with a boom, pow
Environmentally Friendly Washer Uses Plastic And One Cup Of Water To Clean
Prince Charles Fancies Dreadlocks
Sir Paul McCartney Thinks He Will Live To Be 100 Years Old
Queen Elizabeth's Composer Writing "Comic Opera" To Poke Fun At The MPs' Expenses Scandal
Kevin Spacey Would Rather Be A Drug Addict Than Be A Politician
Aides Reveal South Carolina Gov. Missing Since Thursday Was Simply "Hiking In Appalachians"
Typo Error In Jury's Verdict Form Gives Drug Convict Early Exit From Prison
Google Street View Images Identify Muggers, Leads To Arrest
Romanian Teens Dies Twitting In Tub
Pilot Buries Injured Companion In Sand After Chopper Crash
Iran rules out scrapping vote, Obama questions result
Iran cracks down as reformists call for mourning
| International
|
Twitter users buy more music: report
Netanyahu slams Iran at start of Europe trip
China says North Korea a serious concern
| International
|
IBM names new M&A chief after losing chief to Dell
US company makes first batch of swine flu vaccine
Iraq to mark US pullback from cities with holiday
Hurricane Andres pounds western Mexico, one dead
| International
|
White House posts Farsi version of Obama remarks
Andres becomes first Pacific hurricane of season
Israel PM meeting with Obama envoy postponed
Nokia and Intel to work together on mobile devices
Boeing delays Dreamliner for fifth time
Disaster-prone Bangladesh trials cell phone alerts
| International
|
Israel releases senior Hamas lawmaker
Intel forms strategic alliance with Nokia
U.S. urges Sudan to carry out North-South peace deal
| International
|
Wave of attacks as Obama aide assesses Afghanistan plan
Pentagon approves creation of cyber command
China's top dissident arrested for subversion
| International
|
US creates military command for cyber battlefield
Madagascar leader says ex-president planning coup
| International
|
White House streams Obama press conference on Facebook
Relics of old Afghanistan reveal Jewish past
| International
|
Antigua sacks regulator over Stanford cancer
| International
|
Rural, urban lawmakers strike agreement on climate
Nokia and Intel to work together on mobile devices
Intel forms strategic alliance with Nokia
China's top dissident arrested for subversion
Apple's Jobs has excellent prognosis after transplant
| Technology
|
Australians held in Indonesia return home
Twitter users buy more music: report
| Technology
|
Metro cited for safety issues in 2006: investigator
Disaster-prone Bangladesh trials cell phone alerts
| Technology
|
Hewitt looking up at giant Wimbledon challenge
Nixon ready to 'cut off head' of S. Vietnam leader
Madoff lawyer seeks 12-year sentence for client
Pentagon approves creation of cyber command
| Technology
|
NKorean cargo ship could test new UN sanctions
China's Peng pegs second round spot
Driver of DC train in deadly crash loved her job
David Fincher in talks for Facebook pic
| Technology
|
Taliban commander shot dead in northwest Pakistan
IBM names new M&A chief after losing chief to Dell
| Technology
|
Nixon tapes, papers weigh in on fateful days
Man takes steamroller on a late-night joyride
U.S. drone strike kills 45 in Pakistan
FAA says 3 die in small plane crash in NW Iowa
US adviser: No preferred candidate in Afghan poll
Rival to Pakistan Taliban chief Mehsud assassinated
ND deputy accused of vomiting at concert arrested
Dealer says he regrets kidnap in 'Alpha Dog' case
Swine flu means no camp for Jerry's Kids
NZ's consumer confidence rises in Q2
Sarah Jessica Parker has twins via surrogate
Korea Hot Stocks
CORRECTED
Obama takes first trade action on China
Japan exports fall 40.9 percent in May
Japan trade surplus down 12.1 percent in May
S.Korea T-bonds climb on cautious remarks
Seoul shares open up; tech issues rise
Jon & Kate breakup wins large TV audience
| Entertainment
|
Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville join Spacey film
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea economy may lose steam without domestic demand
Transformers sequel on track to beat first film
| Entertainment
|
"Transformers" sequel on track to beat first film
Japan's ANA 'disappointed' with new delay in Boeing Dreamliner
Beastie Boys pouring Hot Sauce on September 15
| Entertainment
|
The first Europeans were cannibals: archaeologists
Friends stars reunite online
| Entertainment
|
China tennis star braced for battle of tattoos
Adam Lambert's new album challenges Idol producer
| Entertainment
|
Kate Gosselin says marriage 'irretrievably broken'
Meghan Markle joins Fringe
| Entertainment
|
David Fincher in talks for Facebook pic
David Fincher in talks for Facebook pic
| Entertainment
|
Perez Hilton not backing down for using gay slur
Adam Lambert's new album challenges "Idol" producer
T.R. Knight will star in a production of 'Parade'
"Jon & Kate" breakup wins large TV audience
Reality romance cursed? Check out the track record
Mousavi wife compares Iran state to martial law
Sarkozy shakes up cabinet
U.S. drones prowl over Pakistan's South Waziristan
| International
|
Nixon was ready to 'cut off head' of S. Vietnam leader
Israel delayed Netanyahu meet with Mitchell
Israeli ex-finance minister jailed for 5 years
Philippines arrests JI-linked Muslim rebels
| International
|
Blind Iraqi girl gets new set of eyes in London
U.S. warns of threats against Sudan government and West
China airs worry about North Korea after talks
| International
|
23 rebels killed in Afghan, NATO operation: general
Key figures in Iran's ruling circles
Kyrgyzstan agreed U.S. base deal with Russia-source
| International
|
U.S. to send ambassador to Syria after 4 years
Sudan orders four hanged for murder of U.S. official
| International
|
Pressured by sex workers, Taiwan OKs prostitution
| International
|
Somali legislators flee abroad, parliament paralyzed
| International
|
Corruption tops many Iraqis' concerns, not security
| International
|
Australian senator rejects climate change evidence
Deal sends global warming bill to House floor
US nixes 40 percent cuts at climate change talks
Investigators to test automated DC train controls
Storm roars across Philippines, killing 5
SC gov resurfaces after mystery trip to Argentina
Pakistan Taliban chief dodged missile: officials
US, China pledge effort to avoid sea confrontations
Undercover Houston police officer, suspect killed
Romney grading Obama better now on Iran statements
Microsoft debuts power conservation website
| Technology
|
China airs worry about North Korea after talks
Shriver: Most Californians don't want budget cuts
Nokia and Intel to work together on mobile devices
| Technology
|
Maker of China's filtering software gets threats
US-Israel meeting scrapped over settlements
Obama meets govs, hosts health care town hall
China to beef up security ahead of National Day
China to repair cave where human fossils found
At age 88, man in US forced to deal with war past
Jatropha tree examined as a biofuel alternative
Doctors fear swine flu spreading among Aborigines
Russia angry at Kyrgyzstan's 'dirty trick': report
Kazakh lawmakers back restrictive Internet law
AirAsia bullish as airlines struggle in downturn
Vietnam's inflation eases to 3.9 percent
CORRECTED
Piaggio starts Vespa production in Vietnam
China defends export curbs after US, EU complaints
South Korea parliament to reopen but reforms uncertain
GM, Opel seeking other offers: report
UN debates financial crisis, eyes developing world
Japan FM to press G8 to enforce NKorea sanctions
Baby names: Parker, Broderick go old-fashioned
Oil prices could surge if Iran crisis worsens
Spector wants TV, music player for new prison cell
Daniel Craig eyes psychological thriller
| Entertainment
|
Bangladesh soap opera aims to help farmers
Torture 'widespread' in Indonesia: Amnesty
2010 WC revs up tourism in S.African mining town
Conservationist: 15 rare Sumatran elephants killed
Jon & Kate breakup wins large TV audience
| Entertainment
|
Conan O'Brien, 'Tonight' pay tribute to Ed McMahon
'Jon & Kate' on hiatus while Gosselins separate
"Friends" stars reunite online
Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville join Spacey film
Meghan Markle joins "Fringe"
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights