As the summer movie season approaches, anticipation is building for two major releases set to hit theaters over Memorial Day weekend: Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch and the highly anticipated finale of the Mission: Impossible franchise, titled Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Both films are projected for impressive openings, with Lilo & Stitch eyeing a staggering $100 million plus for its three-day debut, while Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning aims to break franchise records, surpassing the $61 million opening of Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
According to early tracking data from Quorum, the buzz surrounding Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is palpable. The tracking firm has previously been accurate in its predictions, correctly forecasting the openings of recent hits like Deadpool & Wolverine and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This time, the early numbers suggest that if Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts doesn’t kick off the summer with a projected $70 million start, audiences can still expect a robust box office over the holiday weekend.
Last year's Memorial Day weekend saw a disappointing $132.2 million total, led by the underperforming Furiosa and Garfield. However, industry insiders are optimistic that this year's offerings will far exceed that figure. The total awareness for Lilo & Stitch stands at 62, while Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning holds a score of 59, both significantly higher than Thunderbolts, which sits at 37. This heightened awareness indicates that moviegoers are eager for these releases.
Additionally, both films are expected to draw audiences to theaters rather than streaming platforms, with Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning each scoring 50 in terms of preference for theatrical viewing, compared to Thunderbolts at 42. The excitement is further fueled by the fact that the trailer for Lilo & Stitch has become Disney's second most viewed live-action trailer, racking up an impressive 158 million views.
As the release date approaches, the buzz for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is expected to amplify, especially following its world premiere in London and its out-of-competition screening at the Cannes Film Festival next month. Both films are poised to contribute to a significant box office weekend, with the best Memorial Day weekend post-COVID occurring in 2022 when total ticket sales reached $223.7 million, largely driven by Top Gun: Maverick's record-setting $126.7 million three-day opening.
In terms of historical context, the record haul for Memorial Day weekend was set in 2013, when all movies combined to bring in $314.2 million, led by Fast & Furious 6 and The Hangover Part III. As the summer blockbuster season kicks off, both Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning are expected to play a significant role in revitalizing the box office.
Fans of the Mission: Impossible series are particularly excited about the return of Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, who has been a staple of the franchise since its inception. The film promises to deliver high-octane action and nostalgic callbacks to previous films, with Cruise stating in the trailer, “I need you to trust me… one last time.” This sentiment resonates with long-time fans who have followed Hunt's journey through various thrilling escapades over the years.
Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch aims to capture the hearts of a new generation while appealing to nostalgic fans of the original animated classic. The live-action adaptation is anticipated to bring fresh visuals and a modern twist to the beloved story of friendship and family, ensuring that it resonates with audiences of all ages.
As the weekend approaches, industry experts and moviegoers alike are keeping a close eye on these two films. With early projections suggesting a strong opening for both, it seems that Memorial Day weekend could be a turning point for the box office, setting the tone for the summer movie season. The excitement surrounding these releases highlights not only the power of established franchises but also the enduring appeal of animated classics being reimagined for the big screen.
In conclusion, as Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning prepare to make their debut, the industry is buzzing with anticipation. If early tracking holds true, audiences are in for a thrilling holiday weekend at the movies, paving the way for a successful summer at the box office.
