Pixar’s “Hoppers” nabbed $3.2 million in previews, while Warner Bros.’s “The Bride” netted a tepid $1 million.
Family films have dominated the box office in recent months and “Hoppers,” which has been embraced by critics, is expected to continue the trend. The animal-centric adventure is projected to earn $35 million to $40 million from 4,000 theaters this weekend, which should be enough to capture first place. “Hoppers” cost $150 million to produce. It’s a steep price tag, but the film was produced more economically than other Disney animated offerings, which can cost $200 million to produce. “Hoppers’s” preview results include the $1 million that it earned from early screenings on Saturday in addition to its Thursday results. Its grosses compares favorably to the $3.8 million that 2024’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” generated in previews, ahead of its $58 million opening, as well as the $2.7 million that 2020’s “Onward” netted in previews en route to a $39.1 million bow.
“The Bride,” a feminist re-imagining of “The Bride of Frankenstein” from Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter Maggie Gyllenhaal, won’t be as lucky. The film has a $90 million budget, but is projected to earn roughly $10 million in its inaugural weekend. If those estimates hold, “The Bride” will be a major financial disappointment for the studio, which has been on a hot streak, releasing hits like “Sinners,” “Weapons” and “Wuthering Heights.”
“The Bride” will get a lift from international audiences, however. It’s expected to generate another $22 million at the international box office when it opens in 69 territories. Christian Bale stars as Frankenstein, while Jessie Buckley, who is up for an Oscar for “Hamnet,” plays the undead object of his affection. Gyllenhaal transplants the action to a steam punk version of Chicago and New York in the ’30s. Reviews have been mixed, with some critics embracing Gyllenhaal’s bold vision and others dismissing it as a whole lot of sound and fury, signifying zilch.
