Taylor Swift's 'The Official Release Party of a Show Girl' debuts at No. 1 with $33 million
Share this @internewscast.com

LOS ANGELES (AP) — This weekend’s box office belonged to two undeniable draws: Taylor Swift and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Though it seemed like a big contender, Taylor Swift’s dedicated fans proved unbeatable with her film “The Official Release Party of a Show Girl,” which premiered at the top box office spot with $33 million in North America, as per Sunday estimates from Comscore. Released through AMC Theatres with little promotion just two weeks prior, this film complements Swift’s 12th studio album with music videos, behind-the-scenes clips, and clean lyric visuals, presenting an 89-minute package.

The film played at all 540 AMC theaters in the U.S. for three days, ending after Sunday. AMC aired the show in Mexico, Canada and across Europe.

“It’s brilliant how Taylor Swift is using movie theaters to expand her brand, generate excitement among her fans, and offer a shared experience beyond her concerts,” noted Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst. “Adding an extra $33 million to the box office is a big win for theater owners eager for new content on their screens.”

It comes nearly two years after her “The Eras Tour” concert film opened to $96 million, with Swift extending her streak of box office dominance.

In contrast, Dwayne Johnson’s film experienced a more modest opening. His A24 drama “The Smashing Machine,” featuring Emily Blunt, debuted in third place with just $6 million, following Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which brought in $11.1 million and has $107 million globally to date.

Despite positive reviews and a 15-minute ovation at the Venice Film Festival, where Johnson’s portrayal of MMA legend Mark Kerr was praised, the film marked one of his lowest box office debuts as a leading actor.

“When big movie stars take on indie roles, like Tom Cruise with “Magnolia,” they aim to reinvent their careers,” said Dergarabedian. “This allows them to bridge both worlds. Dwayne Johnson, with all the accolades he’s receiving, understands this. Prestige is valuable. While he’s a box office expert and a businessman, venturing out of his usual roles shines a different light on him. … Dwayne Johnson is showing he’s more than what’s expected.”

Aside from these headline acts, the weekend offered a diverse range of films, including animated adventures, horror sequels, and international releases.

DreamWorks Animation’s family adventure “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” debuted in fourth place with $5.2 million, expanding the popular Netflix preschool series to the big screen. Warner Bros.’ supernatural thriller “The Conjuring: Last Rites” followed in fifth with $4 million, pulling in $458.2 million globally.

In sixth was “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” the latest entry in the hit Japanese anime saga, earning $3.5 million. A re-release of “Avatar: The Way of Water” made a splash in seventh with $3.1 million — a solid return for the 2022 blockbuster ahead of “Avatar: The Fire and Ash” on Dec. 19.

Rounding out the top 10 were “The Strangers: Chapter 2” with $2.8 million, the IFC dark comedy “Good Boy” with $2.2 million, marking the company’s second-best opening weekend ever. “Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1” with $1.7 million.

Dergarabedian said he’s looking forward to October films such as “Tron: Ares,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Roofman,” starring Channing Tatum.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “The Official Release Party of a Show Girl,” $33 million

2. “One Battle After Another,” $11.1 million.

3. “The Smashing Machine,” $6 million.

4. “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” $5.2 million.

5. “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” $4 million.

6. ““Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle,” $3.5 million.

7. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” $3.1 million.

8. “The Strangers: Chapter 2,” $2.8 million.

9. ““Good Boy,” $2.2 million.

10. “Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1,” $1.7 million.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Max Shabanov already looks like an Islanders steal

Max Shabanov Shines as Potential Steal for New York Islanders: Early Success Promises Bright Future

If Max Shabanov continues to perform at his current level after recovering…
Fighter jet crashes at Dubai Air Show, pilot dead

Tragic Fighter Jet Crash Claims Pilot’s Life at Dubai Air Show 2023

A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday when…
Philippine police deployed to arrest 18 suspects in a corruption scandal that has sparked outrage

Philippine Authorities Move to Arrest 18 in Major Corruption Scandal Stirring Public Outcry

By JIM GOMEZ MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A significant crackdown on corruption…
When should you thaw out your Thanksgiving turkey?

Unlock the Secret to a Perfect Thanksgiving: The Ultimate Guide to Thawing Your Turkey on Time

For those preparing Thanksgiving feasts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture emphasizes the…
Dishing with Diane: Paul's Family Restaurant in Elgin

Inside Scoop: Diane’s Exclusive Review of Paul’s Family Restaurant in Elgin

HIGHWOOD, Ill. (WLS) — The moment has arrived for our final installment…
FBI restricted agents from working with CAIR years before Texas branded group a terrorist organization

FBI Curtailed Collaboration with CAIR Years Ahead of Texas Designating the Group as a Terrorist Organization

Report: Muslim Brotherhood embedded in US agencies Dr. Qanta Ahmed from the…
Trial in the murder of Jared Bridegan pushed back again

Prosecutors Revoke Death Penalty Pursuit in Jared Bridegan Murder Case

Jared Bridegan’s widow, Kristen, expressed that the family fully supports the recent…
Ex-general says Saudis unlikely to leak F-35 tech, but China 'could exploit through intel'

Ex-General Warns: Why China’s Intelligence Could Target F-35 Secrets Despite Saudi Trustworthiness

China’s determined efforts to acquire American military technology are becoming a pivotal…
Zelenskyy warns Ukraine faces ‘difficult choice’ as US peace plan hits major hurdle

Zelenskyy Highlights Ukraine’s Challenging Decision Amid US Peace Proposal Setback

Trump renews push for peace between Ukraine and Russia State Department spokesperson…
Two Texas men charged in plot to invade Haitian island and make women, children 'sex slaves': prosecutors

Texas Duo Accused of Plotting to Exploit Haitian Island Residents

Two men from Texas have been accused of plotting a violent takeover…
Former Knicks forward Cleanthony Early very randomly gets featured on ‘Jeopardy!’

Unexpected Spotlight: Ex-Knicks Player Cleanthony Early Appears on ‘Jeopardy!

It doesn’t get much more unexpected than this. Cleanthony Early, a former…
Chicago shooting: At least 5 shot in the Loop, alderman says; at least 2 shot on North State Street near ABC7 studios, sources say

Tragic Shooting in Chicago’s Loop: 5 Injured, Including 2 Near ABC7 Studios on North State Street

CHICAGO — On Friday night, a tragic event unfolded in the heart…