The Revenant Takes The Force Awakens' Crown, for Just a Day
For the first time since its debut on December 18, which feels so long ago already, The Force Awakens has bowed out of its spot at the top of the daily box office, with The Revenant debuting strongly on Jan 8.
The Revenant, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, pulled in $14.4 million for its opening day, while Star Wars brought in $10.76 million. The Revenant could thank its awards buzz and limited release reception for its explosive opening, but it feels like it won't track well in the long term. Promotion for the film might have cinema-goers expecting something a little more energetic than the slow-burn Alejandro G. Inarritu has offered, and word of mouth might put some audiences off.
Projections have The Force Awakens still ahead for the weekend, finishing on top for the fourth straight. However, these projections have it finishing top over the weekend by adding $41 million roughly, well short of Avatar's fourth weekend record of $50.3 million. The Revenant should look to bring in around $36 million, which is no small feat.
Source: Comicbook
