Fans of The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies have returned to theaters across the United States in large numbers as the film opened to a formidable $24.5 million on its first day. The cash flow includes the $11.2 million from the first preview on Tuesday before officially opening on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
The film is projected to cross the $70 million to $75 million mark on its first weekend in the United States, according to reports. However, if it can keep on a consistent path, then The Battle of Five Armies could hit $200 million during a month's time.
From what we've come to understand, the film has already hit theaters overseas, and has so far earned over $122 million. We could be looking at another billion-earner in the making, but that could prove difficult due to the amount of competition ahead.
Sony, despite its troubles, is preparing to launch Annie, while Fox plans to bring Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb to theaters later in the month. The industry is hoping that the trio will be capable of increasing ticket sales since 2014 is trailing 2013 by 5 percent.
Things have gotten even more difficult for the industry due to the cancellation of The Interview, Sony's controversial comedy about the attempted assassination of North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. The loss of the comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco will no doubt hurt Hollywood financially, but it shouldn't be that much of a big deal if The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is able to attract enough to moviegoers to end the year on a bang.
List of movies opening this week and until the end of December:
- The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies
- Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
- Annie
- Mr. Turner
- Song of the Sea
- Two Days, One Night
- Into the Woods
- Unbroken
- Big Eyes
- The Gambler
- Leviathan
- Cut
- American Sniper
- Selma
- Ode to my Father
- A Most Violent Year
A film such as Into the Woods could prove to be a big box office hit since it has the Disney name attached, along with the likes of Johnny Depp.
