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‘Superman' Soars To $407 Million ‘Jurassic World' Devours $648 Million

‘Superman' Soars To $407 Million ‘Jurassic World' Devours $648 Million

Forbes4 days ago
Superman soared to $407 million worldwide and Jurassic World: Rebirth devoured $648 million, in a weekend that saw plenty of underperformance and outright face-planting by a few new releases and holdovers (notably Smurfs, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Elio, and M3GAN 2.0), but most of the rest either put up okay numbers or at least enjoyed strong holds (F1, How to Train Your Dragon).
David Corenswet stars in "Superman."
Superman By The Numbers
With more than $45 million overseas and $57 million stateside, Superman finished once again ahead of most estimates heading into the weekend. My own mid-week predictions ahead of Superman's second weekend were 'around $57 million domestic weekend and about $42 million international, totaling roughly $410-415 million through close of business Sunday.'
Although the final total was slightly lower at $407 million, due to lower weekday totals than I anticipated (notably on Wednesday and particularly Thursday), it beat lower-end estimates and is enough to put $500+ million squarely in Superman's sights now.
Impressively, despite otherwise lower international turnout than hoped for, Superman's word-of-mouth superpower helped it to a terrific hold almost everywhere except Asia-Pacific, specifically China where the Man of Steel is facing a worst-case flop and will finish with less than $10 million total.
It's not an understatement to say the doomsday outcome in China, and to some extent South Korea where Superman will be lucky if it can limp to a $6 million final cume, has made a big difference in whether Superman finished at an acceptable $500-550 million and signal audiences are willing to give DC another chance, or was able to top $600 million and send an even louder message that audiences are not only willing but eager to show up for more.
Superman Sets The Stage
It looks like 'willing' is going to have to be good enough (and make no mistake, it is), as I think $600 million is out of reach for Superman at this point.
My own math, admittedly based on only two weekends of data, puts Superman right at $548 million, so call it $545-550 million range. High-end looks like $570 million, plus or minus a couple of million, which requires continued unexpectedly great holds internationally and at least average or better holds in North America for the rest of its run. Low-end is roughly $525 million.
So overall, $500 million has looked certain for Superman almost right out the gate, but this weekend clinched it, as well as confirming $600 million or higher was no longer in the cards. That's disappointing and certainly lower than anyone involved hoped for, no doubt, but it's the sort of disappointment that comes from winning the bronze medal instead of the silver, when you knew the gold was already claimed anyway.
It's a nice problem to have for once, if you're WBD and used to problems that were sinking your superhero slate instead of merely a lesser variation of success than you held out hope for. Superman is a going to do blockbuster box office (even if at the entry-level tier for using the term 'blockbuster') and is widely liked or loved, and has convinced audiences to show up again for DC movies that aren't just solo Batman projects.
Most importantly, I believe as it relates to the context of future potential, this looks a lot like what happened with Batman Begins, which is a nice comparison for Superman writer-director and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn both from an artistic perspective but also from a financial perspective. We all know what came next for director Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, and I discussed it all in more detail in my article about Batman Begins' 20th anniversary, so be sure to check that out as well.
Gunn and his co-CEO Peter Safran understand how the original Richard Donner Superman movies planned a multi-film investment for payoff, Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings put the approach to famously successful use as well, and most directly relevantly Kevin Feige's entire MCU was built on the premise that the Phase One
Superman now faces Marvel Studios' MCU summer tentpole Fantastic Four: First Steps, which is on course for a $125 million opening weekend domestically and even bigger internationally. There's room in the marketplace for many films to succeed together, and I do think Superman will continue to enjoy decent audiences, but it's also true that Jurassic World: Rebirth's sustained holds and the global power of Marvel's brand make it hard to imagine an overperformance for the DCU hero next weekend.
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James Gunn Teases PEACEMAKER Season 2 as 'The Story of Superman and the DCU Continues' with New Posters — GeekTyrant
James Gunn Teases PEACEMAKER Season 2 as 'The Story of Superman and the DCU Continues' with New Posters — GeekTyrant

Geek Tyrant

time38 minutes ago

  • Geek Tyrant

James Gunn Teases PEACEMAKER Season 2 as 'The Story of Superman and the DCU Continues' with New Posters — GeekTyrant

The wait for Peacemaker Season 2 is almost over, and James Gunn just gave fans a reason to get even more hyped. Ahead of the official trailer drop during tomorrow's San Diego Comic-Con panel, which will also hit online, Gunn and HBO Max shared twonew posters, and teased that this season plays a major role in shaping the future of the DC Universe. The first poster shows John Cena's Christopher Smith staring up at a mural of an alternate-universe version of himself, rocking a slick new helmet design. The second poster brings in the rest of the team, the ragtag crew famously known as the 11th Street Kids from Season 1. Alongside the reveal, Gunn wrote, 'If he can't find peace here, maybe he'll find it somewhere else. The story of Superman and the DCU continues with Peacemaker Season 2 on August 21.' That line, 'the story of Superman and the DCU continues', is interesting has sparked plenty of speculation. Could this mean David Corenswet will make his first appearance as the new Man of Steel? Gunn has hinted that a major cameo is coming later in the season, but whether that's Superman or another big DC character remains a mystery. What we do know is that Season 2 will feature appearances by Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Maxwell Lord, further connecting Peacemaker to the larger DCU storyline Gunn is building. The newly released synopsis sheds more light on what Smith will be up against: 'In season 2, Peacemaker discovers an alternate world where life is everything he wishes it could be. But this discovery also forces him to face his traumatic past and take the future into his own hands.' This sets the stage for a fascinating twist, as Smith will infiltrate an alternate reality and encounter a version of himself who's held in much higher regard and it's going to make for some interesting and dynamic storyelling. Peacemaker Season 2 premieres August 21 on HBO Max.

New movies to watch this weekend: See 'The Fantastic Four' in theaters, rent 'Materialists,' stream 'Happy Gilmore 2' on Netflix and more
New movies to watch this weekend: See 'The Fantastic Four' in theaters, rent 'Materialists,' stream 'Happy Gilmore 2' on Netflix and more

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

New movies to watch this weekend: See 'The Fantastic Four' in theaters, rent 'Materialists,' stream 'Happy Gilmore 2' on Netflix and more

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" shows that "Superman" was the start of a new trend. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Brett Arnold, film critic and longtime Yahoo editor, and I'm back with another edition of Trust Me, I Watch Everything. This week, there are a handful of movies coming to streaming services you're likely already paying for, including Wes Anderson's latest, an indie gem about baseball and a fun self-aware horror flick. The biggest new release is The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latest attempt at making the Marvel characters pop onscreen with a buzzy new A-list cast, including Pedro Pascal. If you're looking for more Pascal, make it a double feature: His rom-dram Materialists is available to rent. Read on for more, because there's something here for everyone! What to watch in theaters Movies newly available to rent or buy Movies newly available on streaming services you may already have 🎥What to watch in theaters My recommendation: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Why you should watch it: The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves that James Gunn's Superman wasn't a one-off and instead was the start of an emerging trend of superhero movies. Both are comic book flicks that are meant to be introduction films, as well as reboots featuring iconic characters we've already seen onscreen before. They both purposefully avoid harping much on a character's origin story. The Fantastic Four: First Steps depicts it very quickly up top, whereas Superman throws you right into the action. Both rely on the audience knowing who these people are and what they do without getting bogged down by lore. That being said, each movie is meant to emulate the experience of reading a comic book, picking up an issue and getting caught up in that one arc without having to worry about its place in the larger universe. The best thing about The Fantastic Four: First Steps is that it doesn't adhere to the Marvel house style and has a unique look that's decidedly its own: a retro-futuristic take on the 1960s that feels as indebted to The Jetsons as it does the comic books its based on. Superman opened with Clark Kent having already been Superman for three years, and First Steps similarly opens with our heroes celebrating four years as America's superhero protectors. The public knows who they are and appreciates their efforts to keep them safe. But Marvel's First Family is soon forced to balance their roles as heroes and the strength of their family bond while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is pregnant with the child of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), and the movie explores how Reed tries to 'babyproof the world,' as a character in the film puts it, and protect their kid from real and specific dangers — in this case, Galactus. The film is at its best when its leaning into either the silliness or the scale of the sci-fi comic book world these characters inhabit, like when we get a glimpse of villain Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser, a highlight) and his underground world of Subterranea, or when the plot turns to the idea of teleporting entire planets in order to save lives. The foreboding Galactus, who is the size of a skyscraper and more menacing than any villain I can think of in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is an undeniable selling point. Maybe it's just my love for science fiction showing, but a bad guy that's just the Death Star incarnate, destroying planets as if they were nothing, is scary, strong stuff. If I have a major complaint, it's that the Fantastic Four's powers are never really utilized in a way that feels specific to each character. It's all just generic superhero zipping around and shooting forceful beams out of their hands. The wildly specific skillsets all feel incidental here, rather than expertly written and woven into the narrative or the action. The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bacharach is terrific as the voice of the Thing, but the character feels like he has little to do here, and the entirely CGI creation of his being pales in comparison to the onscreen depiction 20 years ago, when Michael Chiklis was transformed into the character with extensive makeup. Joseph Quinn is fun as Johnny Storm, but he too just flies around while on fire. The Fantastic Four: First Steps may be the third attempt at bringing these classic comic book characters (the fourth, actually, if you count the hastily-made-to-keep-the-rights unreleased 1994 version) but it's undeniably the most successful of that very cursed bunch. The speed-run character development is a barrier at first, but by the end, I was worn down and accepted that this is what comic book movies are now, nearly 20 years after Iron Man changed everything for the genre. On paper, I love the idea of skipping the origin story, but after Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I just think more work needs to be done setting up these worlds if I'm expected to buy in. For those unfamiliar with the characters, who have never seen a Fantastic Four movie or read one of their comic books, I do wonder if the experience is meaningfully different. What other critics are saying: Most agree that Marvel finally got it right this time. William Bibbiani at The Wrap says it's first-rate, writing, "whatever its drawbacks, feels like a real Fantastic Four movie, and that's no small achievement." The Associated Press's Jake Coyle agrees that the villains steal the show and calls it "a very solid comic book movie." How to watch: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters nationwide July 25. Get tickets 🤔 But that's not all! This ridiculously bonkers horror movie starring Pete Davidson and directed by The Purge mastermind James DeMonaco was shot in early 2022 and is only now sneaking into theaters. Davidson plays a troubled man who starts working at a retirement home and realizes its residents and caretakers harbor sinister secrets. It's unpredictable in a fun way, even if it feels like you're watching a different movie in the final 10 minutes. Get tickets. : A derivative found-footage horror vehicle for Kris Collins, aka KallMeKris, a Canadian TikToker who has a massive following on the social media platform. It's ripping off The Blair Witch Project for most of the runtime, until it gets to the third act and imitates a different popular horror movie. It doesn't amount to much, sadly. Get tickets. 💸Movies newly available to rent or buy My recommendation: Why you should watch it: You can get a double helping of Pedro Pascal this weekend, if you're into that sort of thing, as the controversial Materialists is now watchable from your couch. As I wrote when it debuted in theaters, it disappoints in comparison to Past Lives, writer-director Celine Song's debut film, and the script ultimately lets down the actors, even if the performances are all very good. What other critics are saying: There are strong opinions on both sides here. Stephanie Zacharek at Time writes that it's "more bittersweet than sweet, which is what makes it so wonderful, in a wistful, elusive way." The Daily Beast's Nick Schager dubs it a disappointing letdown, calling it "the cinematic equivalent of a sugary soda gone terribly flat." How to watch: Materialists is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms. Rent or buy 'Materialists' ➕ Bonus recommendation Why you should watch it: The always-great Danielle Deadwyler stars in this postapocalyptic thriller about a Black family of Canadian farmers descended from American Civil War migrants defending their homestead against cannibals trying to seize their resources. Its specific approach to the apocalypse, that it's about food scarcity and the importance of farms in that future, makes it stand out from plenty of similar fare, as does the terrific and dynamic gunplay that unexpectedly takes up the latter half. The focus on family is also very effective. Much better than you'd expect from this sort of low-budget affair. What other critics are saying: Most agree it's worth your time! Rolling Stone's David Fear writes, "She's not better than the movie. Deadwyler just makes the movie better by every choice she's making as an actor." Amy Nicholson at the Los Angeles Times agrees, writing that "there's not one false beat in Deadwyler's performance." How to watch: 40 Acres is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms. Rent or buy '40 Acres' 🤔 But that's not all! : This is a horror movie about a serial killer whose method of killing is feeding his victims to sharks. I wish I didn't have to tell you that because the opening scene is such a shocking introduction, but the trailer gives it away immediately. It's still absolutely worth watching, if that sounds like your kind of thing. Rent or buy. Disney's live-action remake became the first and only movie to gross $1 billion this year, and now you can help it make more money by paying to rent it! As per usual with these things, it's not as nice to look at as the animated original, but it gets the job done. Rent or buy. 📺Movies newly available on streaming services you may have My recommendation: Why you should watch it: My colleague Kelsey Weekman was lucky enough to catch it early, and her review is below! What I at first thought was a depressingly obvious cash grab involving one of Adam Sandler's most beloved characters turned out to be a shockingly sweet (and still very funny) follow-up about the lengths even the biggest weirdos will go to for family. Nearly 30 years after the original came out, I wasn't sure how many more times they could turn hitting a golf ball so hard it makes rocket launcher noises into an effective gag, but thanks to some new characters who kept it true to the Sandler ethos (loud, ridiculous, playfully violent), it felt like a truly fresh franchise installment rather than a ham-handed appeal to nostalgia. But trust me, there are still plenty of nods to the original. Bad Bunny, aka Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, steals the show. What other critics are saying: There aren't any other reviews as of publication time. You'll have to trust Kelsey on this one! How to watch: Happy Gilmore 2 is now streaming on Netflix. Stream 'Happy Gilmore 2' ➕ Bonus recommendation: Why you should watch it: Sometimes, all you need is a cheap but satisfying B-movie about a creature on an island killing people in increasingly gory ways. Bonus points if the creature just so happens to be a guy in a suit. This World War II-set throwback is as inspired by the films of Jack Arnold (specifically Creature From the Black Lagoon) as it is Predator, and it delivers on the promise. The story about two guys from opposite sides of the war forced to band together against a greater threat works quite well! What other critics are saying: There aren't many reviews for this one yet, so you'll have to take my word for it. If you're into low-budget stuff buoyed by great practical FX work and better-than-average performances, check it out. How to watch: Monster Island is now streaming on Shudder. Stream 'Monster Island' 🤔 But that's not all! The latest film from Wes Anderson is a decidedly silly one. Imagine the usual Andersonian look and feel, now with cartoonish violence, and a terrific performance from Benicio Del Toro at its center. I wrote more about it here. Now streaming on Peacock. This quietly profound indie about a baseball team playing their last-ever game functions as a metaphor about life and the eventual bitter end of the things we love. How can you not be romantic about baseball?! I wrote more here. Now streaming on Mubi. This horror flick based on a popular video game leans more Cabin in the Woods send-up than earnest horror, and fans of the genre will enjoy the way it plays with conventions. Now streaming on Netflix. Steve Coogan is sensational in this cute movie inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976 and how his life is transformed when he befriends a penguin. Streaming on Netflix July 26. This A24 movie starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd is a high-concept fantastical comedy that eventually turns into goofy horror. I found it insufferable, but, hey, it's on HBO Max now, so you're not paying for streaming on HBO Max. That's all for this week — we'll see you next Friday at the movies!

You Can Buy This Cartwheeling Humanoid Robot for Less Than Two Apple Vision Pros
You Can Buy This Cartwheeling Humanoid Robot for Less Than Two Apple Vision Pros

Gizmodo

time2 hours ago

  • Gizmodo

You Can Buy This Cartwheeling Humanoid Robot for Less Than Two Apple Vision Pros

'Dance for me, robot,' you scream at your mechanical servant from your gilded throne. 'Now flip for me, robot. Fight for me, robot.' That's the future that China-based robotics maker Unitree is offering with surprisingly dexterous bots like the new R1 model. It is nearly as tall as a human, has decals and a mask that remind me of a scaled-up Power Rangers action figure, and is built with AI voice recognition and the ability to do flips. Even with all that, the real surprise is the cost. The Unitree R1 is only $5,900. If that still seems expensive, know that it's actually less than the cost of two $3,500 Apple Vision Pros. The R1 is built with both image and voice recognition AI, according to Unitree. Beyond that, the model is built with a 'movement-first design' for 'dynamic, lifelike mobility.' You can witness the robot's dexterity in a video posted by the company on Friday. The machine can do handstands and cartwheels, punch at the air, and sprint over level ground. It's enough to make me envious of the machine's athleticism, although it doesn't seem to come with any fine finger dexterity, so at least the robots won't be taking my number one spot as king of the high-fives. We've seen other Unitree humanoid and dog-shaped robots in the field, though only in carefully contained demos controlled by an engineer sitting somewhere off to the side. The R1 costs nearly half of the company's previous consumer-end human-shaped bot, the G1. The new design is also far lighter than the previous model, clocking in at 25 kilograms, or 55 pounds, compared to the G1's 77 pounds. If you're looking for specifics, Unitree told us the robot has 26 total joints, with six in each leg, two in the waist, five in each arm, and two in the head. Despite that, the R1 isn't built to become your robo butler. The device is still mostly there for prototyping and testing. That certainly won't stop people from forming their own robot boxing leagues to try and reenact the 2011 movie Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman. Untiree already hosted a fisticuffs tournament with its G1 models earlier this year. Perhaps we won't have to wait long for a bot with a screw loose after taking a shiner to the silicon. There's no R1 listing on the company's store page just yet, so maybe you should cool your jets before dropping close to $6,000 on a new robot. More than pushing a future where the robots fight off the inevitable return of Rita Repulsa, it establishes how far ahead Unitree is compared to the U.S.-based competition. Elon Musk's Tesla is still working to pump out a consumer-end humanoid robot called Optimus. Tesla has tried to promote its bot as a real-life Rosey from the Jetsons. They've had the bot pouring drinks and cleaning dishware, though at a very slow pace and with a human controller standing off-screen. Tesla claimed it plans to produce 5,000 Optimus bots by the end of 2025, but that's looking less likely every day. A new report from The Information states that more than halfway into the year, Tesla has only created a few hundred bots after reportedly halting production in mid-June. Musk recently claimed Tesla will have Optimus gen 3 prototypes available by the end of the year, and then it will scale production. Even if it follows through—which seems less likely considering ongoing staffing and resource issues cited by Fast Company—the robot will likely be nowhere near as cheap as Unitree's bot and its cartwheeling, karate-chop action.

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