A Deadline report surprised many yesterday morning.
Illumination/Universal/Nintendo’s “The Super Mario Bros Movie” is tracking to earn “at least $85M-$90M” over its Wednesday through Sunday launch.
There’s even mention that it would “not be shocking to see a triple-digit opening” for the movie, according to Deadline. I would imagine whether it gets positive reviews will play a big role in whether or not it goes over $100 million.
The trailer has already nabbed 18 million views on YouTube. The reception has been highly positive. You’d be hard pressed to find a movie fan who hasn’t had an opinion on this trailer.
However, the biggest factor for this potential blockbuster opening is obviously nostalgia. You have many people, from different generations, who grew up playing Super Mario games. I’d imagine a demographic of males, anywhere between 13-40 years-old, will be flocking to see this movie on opening weekend.
Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic directed, the movie stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Jack Black as Bowser, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
I remember when Touchstone Pictures released their live-action “Super Mario Bros” in 1993, with the late Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as Mario and Luigi, it completely bombed. Grossing only $39M worldwide, it had studios backing away from making any other Mario movie, until now.
“The Super Mario Bros Movie” is set to open Wednesday, April 5.