LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Initial estimates for 'The Flash's opening weekend box office numbers have been released, and they are relatively low. This has resulted in a dampening of the excitement surrounding the highly anticipated DC film. At the beginning of 2023, 'The Flash' appeared to be a promising venture for Warner Bros Discovery and DC, despite the legal troubles faced by its star, Ezra Miller.
The inclusion of Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman and the introduction of a new big-screen Supergirl portrayed by Sasha Calle generated significant anticipation. The movie garnered further buzz due to positive reviews from notable figures such as Tom Cruise and Stephen King. However, the current box office projections for 'The Flash' are challenging the initial hype it had generated.
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Will 'The Flash' be a box office hit?
According to the Hollywood Reporter, 'The Flash' is projected to open in the range of $70 million. Box office insiders are considering this figure to be relatively modest, given the extensive promotion by Warner Bros Discovery, who have touted the film as 'the ultimate superhero movie of all time'. The movie will need to significantly surpass these projections, not only during its opening weekend but also in the subsequent weeks, in order to generate profits considering its reported budget of $200-$220 million.
These projections, however, only account for the domestic opening weekend box office and do not include international ticket sales or subsequent weekends. To be profitable, 'The Flash' would need to earn more than twice its budget, which is around $400-$440 million worldwide. While it may be challenging based on the initial projections, it is still possible for the film to achieve profitability. Only time will tell how the audience reception and the built-up anticipation will translate into box office success.
Ezra Miller overcomes difficult year to take on dual roles in 'The Flash'
The release of 'The Flash' comes after a turbulent year for Ezra Miller, who faced multiple arrests and controversies. In August of 2022, Miller issued a statement apologizing for their actions and acknowledging the need for help in dealing with their complex mental health issues.
In 'The Flash', Miller takes on the challenging task of portraying dual roles, embodying different versions of the beloved superhero character Barry Allen across alternate timelines. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck, reprising their iconic Batman roles (with Keaton returning to the character he last portrayed in 1991). Sasha Calle joins the cast as Supergirl, while Michael Shannon reprises his role as General Zod from the 2013 film 'Man of Steel'.
Meanwhile, Pixar is also facing disappointing projections for their film 'Elemental', which is expected to open domestically at around $40 million, according to sources. The studio has recently intensified its marketing efforts for the film, including a collaboration with 'American Idol'. 'Elemental' is scheduled to debut theatrically on June 16.
