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 As of Sunday morning "Transformers: The Last
Knight," the fifth installment directed by Michael Bay, looks to
bring in $69.1 million from 4,069 domestic locations during its
five-day opening weekend. That's a franchise low for the sequel
from Paramount and Hasbro, behind the first in the modern
series, which earned $70.5 million in 2007. "The Last Knight"
carries an estimated $217 million production budget.
This makes "Transformers: The Last Knight" the latest summer
blockbuster to bank on overseas ticket sales to have a shot at
turning a profit. In China, the big-budget action sequel made
$41 million in its opening day alone. The projected
international come through Sunday is $196.2 million, powered by
$123.4 million in China.
"The Last Knight" comes at a time when Paramount could have used
an all-around hit, following recent misses "Baywatch" and "Ghost
in the Shell." While the latest "Transformers" movie has been
advertised as "the final chapter" and Bay's last go-around, the
franchise will continue -- Paramount has at least two more
movies slated, including a spinoff that could star Hailee
Steinfeld. The franchise has historically been massively
profitable and seen solid multiples for the studio. Together,
the first four earned over $1.3 billion domestically and well
over $3.5 billion worldwide.
The latest take on the series centers on an alliance between
Bumblebee, Cade Yeager -- who Mark Wahlberg also played in
2014's "Age of Extinction" -- and roles played by franchise
newcomers Anthony Hopkins and Laura Haddock. Together, the team
works together to save the world. Audiences have earned the film
a B+ CinemaScore, while critics have mostly dismissed it -- it
currently holds a 15% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
"The Last Knight" was uncontested at the box office this
weekend, but a few indie releases showed traction. Sofia
Coppola's "The Beguiled" remake from Focus Features played at
four theaters this weekend, and should gross $240,545 with a
strong per screen average before it expands to over 500
locations next weekend.
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"We're thrilled by this opening," said Lisa Bunnell, Focus Features'
distribution president. "This is Focus' third collaboration with
Sofia and she's created an entertaining, atmospheric thriller
featuring strong female representation in front of and behind the
camera."
And Kumail Nanjiani's critically adored romantic comedy "The Big
Sick" should earn $435,000 during its opening weekend in five
locations -- that would give the Lionsgate and Amazon Studios
release the highest per screen average of any film that has opened
this year so far.
"Kumail and Emily's true story provided audiences of all ages a
much-needed alternative to the summer blockbusters," said Bob Berney,
Amazon Studios' distribution chief.
Otherwise, "Wonder Woman" continues to post impressive numbers, and
holds onto second place during its fourth weekend in theaters. This
weekend, it should earn an additional $25.2 million, bringing its
domestic total to $318.4 million. Earlier this week, the film became
the highest-grossing live-action movie to be directed by a woman --
a major distinction for Patty Jenkins.
Disney and Pixar's "Cars 3" also looks to earn $25.2 million
domestically during its second weekend. Some estimates have the film
slightly lower, just below $25 million. The family film, which won
last weekend's box office, is expected to pass the $100 million mark
in North America by Monday.
"Transformers: The Last Knight's" performance is a tough break for
the summer box office's bottom line domestically. For the past two
years, this weekend has seen monster grosses for "Jurassic World"
and "Finding Dory." Now, attention is turned toward a trio of
releases next weekend, as the box office hopes for a shot in the arm
from "Despicable Me 3," "Baby Driver," and "The House."
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