James Bond and Charlie Brown brought the box office roaring back to life, as “Spectre” and “The Peanuts Movie” attracted big crowds over their opening weekends.
“Spectre,” the latest 007 adventure, took first place, debuting to $73 million from 3,929 theaters — a hefty figure and the second-highest debut in series history, but one that nevertheless trails the launch of “Skyfall.” The previous film in the long-running franchise bowed to $88.4 million, but enjoyed better reviews and benefited from being the only new wide release in its opening weekend. Going into the weekend, tracking suggested that the film would debut to $80 million, but the strength of “The Peanuts Movie” and some critical grousing about plot holes wide enough to drive an Aston Martin through may have depressed ticket sales.
Internationally, however, “Spectre” remains a juggernaut, pulling in $200 million and pushing its worldwide total to more than $300 million after two weeks in release.
“When you look at the global piece, it’s absolutely extraordinary,” said Rory Bruer, Sony’s global distribution chief. “We’re breaking records in Latin America, in Southeast Asia and Europe.”
With a production budget of $250 million and millions more in marketing costs, “Spectre” has to pull in $650 million globally to break even.
It’s a time of transition for Bond. Daniel Craig, who has been lauded by critics for injecting an emotional depth and danger to the character, has hinted that this is his last time playing the role. The search for a replacement has already triggered frenzied speculation about who can take over the series. But Bond will survive regardless of who dons his bespoke suits, analysts say.
“It’s a series that can go on no matter what is happening in the world,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Rentrak. “No matter what changes are taking place in technology or whatever cultural issues are taking place, Bond continues to be evolutionary and revolutionary.”
All this comes as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Eon Productions are weighing distribution offers. Sony’s deal to distribute the Bond films expires with “Spectre,” and though the studio is expected to make a bid to keep the series, other suitors, such as Warner Bros. and Paramount, will aggressively pursue the rights to the franchise.Sony has handled the Bond series for all four Craig-led films, starting with 2006’s “Casino Royale,” and is credited with helping to grow the films’ global reach. Their knowledge of the property and foreign distribution capabilities will likely be a key part of their pitch to keep the series.
“It’s an extraordinary relationship we have with MGM and Eon,” said Bruer. “We have all complemented each other beautifully over the last four films and hopefully there will be more to come.”
While older audiences flocked to see the martini-swilling spy, Fox’s “The Peanuts Movie” appealed to families. The adaptation of Charles Schulz’s beloved comic strip racked up $45 million across 3,897 screens. It cost $100 million to make and was produced by Blue Sky, the creative force behind the “Ice Age” series.
