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
Iran protests grow deadlier as regime internet blackout fails to stop uprising

Iran’s Intensifying Protests: Regime’s Internet Blackout Fails to Quell Rising Fury

As Iran’s national upheaval extended into its thirteenth day on Friday, the…
Child care funding freeze: Trump admin. effort to withhold billions in social safety net funds temporarily blocked after lawsuit

Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Attempt to Freeze Billions in Child Care Funding After Legal Challenge

In a bold move against the Trump administration, attorneys general from five…
UAE cuts funding for citizens studying at UK universities over campus radicalization fears: report

UAE Curtails Funding for Students at UK Universities Amid Campus Radicalization Concerns: Report

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a significant shift in its…
Cellphone video released in deadly Minneapolis ICE agent shooting

New Footage Emerges from Fatal Minneapolis Incident Involving ICE Agent Shooting

Cellphone footage made public on Friday captures the tense moments leading up…
Philadelphia sheriff rips ICE as 'fake, wannabe law enforcement,' threatening arrests: 'Don't want this smoke'

Philadelphia Sheriff Denounces ICE as ‘Imposters,’ Warns Against Overstepping Authority

Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal recently criticized the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
Director, actor Timothy Busfield accused of child sex abuse on the set of on the set of 'The Cleaning Lady' in New Mexico

Timothy Busfield Faces Child Sex Abuse Allegations During ‘The Cleaning Lady’ Filming in New Mexico

On Friday, New Mexico authorities issued an arrest warrant for Timothy Busfield,…
'We respect everyone': Local restaurant hit with one-star reviews after planning Bills watch party

Local Restaurant Faces Backlash with One-Star Reviews Over Controversial Bills Watch Party

In Jacksonville, the rivalry between the Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills has…
Minnesota woman killed in US Virgin Islands shark attack

Tragic Shark Attack Claims Life of Minnesota Woman in US Virgin Islands

A tragic incident occurred in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Thursday, when…
Woman frustrated Chicago police will not remove alleged squatter from Chatham condo despite new Illinois law

Chicago Resident Battles to Reclaim Chatham Condo from Alleged Squatter Amid New Illinois Law

CHICAGO (WLS) — Uncertainty surrounds the recent squatter law in Illinois, which…
'General Hospital' legend Jane Elliot celebrates character Tracy Quartermaine, 60 years in television

General Hospital’ Icon Jane Elliot Honors 60-Year Television Journey with Beloved Character Tracy Quartermaine

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — In the realm of daytime television, Jane Elliot…
Pennsylvania man allegedly found with over 100 sets of human remains in home, storage unit: ‘Horror movie'

Pennsylvania Resident Discovered with Over 100 Human Remains in Home and Storage Unit

A Pennsylvania resident is now facing a staggering number of charges following…
Jaguars fan's loyalty earns surprise tickets from Coach's wife after social media exchange

Loyal Jaguars Fan Rewarded with Surprise Tickets by Coach’s Wife Following Social Media Interaction

Eric Dunn, a devoted Jacksonville Jaguars enthusiast, shared a memorable moment from…