Box Office Report: ‘New Mutants’ Outshines ‘Bill & Ted’

BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN

In the second week of notable wide releases at American theaters, Disney landed in top place with the long-awaited “The New Mutants.” The X-Men comic book adaptation was produced nearly three years ago, but due to Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and the pandemic, it is only now seeing the light of cinemas.

The film, which earned mostly negative reviews from critics, brought in $7 million at North American theaters. It is the biggest debut of a new release since theaters shutdown over five months ago.

Currently, around 60% of U.S. theaters have reopened in the United States and Canada. Theaters in markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and New York remain closed.

“Bill & Ted Face the Music” opened on over 1,000 screens while simultaneously debuting as a digital rental. In theaters, the comedy earned $1.06 million. Most of those theatrical ticket sales are from drive-in theaters.

The other wide release of the weekend, “The Personal History of David Copperfield,” opened to 1,360 locations, earning $520,000. Searchlight, the film’s studio, is planning to continue adding locations through Labor Day.

Last weekend’s number one film, ‘Unhinged,” brought in an additional $2.6 million, a total that helped it secure the second place at the box office. It has now earned $8.8 million.

Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” will finally open in the U.S. next weekend after several reschedules. The film is anticipated to become the highest-grossing debut since the pandemic, though it won’t necessarily set any records. The theaters that have opened are following strict social distancing measures, mask requirements, and more. Safety regulations will limit the possible number of tickets sold and may keep many safety-conscious moviegoers from returning to theaters until a later date.