Kellan Lutz as Poseidon, Immortals
These days, it doesn't take much to easily top the North American box office. But then again, if money is scarce — like it is for the 99% — and you have the choice between watching Adam Sandler in drag and a semi-naked Henry Cavill, who would you — regardless of your gender/sexual orientation — rather go see?
Toplining Henry Cavill's pecs, abs, and legs, Tarsem Singh's Immortals grossed more than expected last week, though less than expected yesterday: as per studio estimates found at Box Office Mojo, the period fantasy adventure collected $32 million (including $1.4 million from Thursday midnight showings). Last week, many pundits were predicting a $25 million or so opening; yesterday, there was hope Singh's movie might reach as high as $38 million.
Why didn't it? Well, Immortals was down 32% on Saturday — 25% after deducting Thursday midnight figures — and is expected to be down 33% today. The Sunday downturn is normal; the Saturday downturn isn't exactly a great omen. For comparison's sake, Zack Snyder's 300 was down 12% on Saturday (only 4% if deducting Thursday midnight figures).
300 ultimately took in $70.88m (approx. $82m today) on its North American debut weekend in early March 2007. (Coincidentally, Zack Snyder is directing Man of Steel, which stars Henry Cavill as Superman.) Unlike 300, Immortals has the advantage of 3D surcharges, as 70% of the 3,112 theaters showing the film are doing so in 3D. Another comparison: Louis Leterrier's 3D epic fantasy Clash of Titans, featuring Avatar's Sam Worthington, collected $61.23m on opening weekend (approx. $62m today) in early April last year.
Though way behind its two brawn-and-sandals predecessors, Immortals now boasts Relativity Media's best opening ever, having far surpassed previous record holder Limitless. Starring Bradley Cooper and Abbie Cornish, Limitless earned $18.9 million on its debut. Immortals has also had the third-biggest opening for an R-rated release this year, trailing only The Hangover Part II's $85.94 million and Paranormal Activity 3's $52.56 million.
Immortals' international figures look more promising. The film has already collected $36m abroad, including China, Germany, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. It'll likely become a major international hit, helping Immortals surge above and beyond its domestic take. In fact, Hollywood studios know that, with relatively few exceptions, their movies can earn back their costs at the box office only after doing well overseas. Singh's fantasy adventure cost a reported $75m after rebates.
In addition to Henry Cavill, Immortals features Slumdog Millionaire's Freida Pinto, Stephen Dorff, Luke Evans, John Hurt, Mickey Rourke, Stephen McHattie, Isabel Lucas, Daniel Sharman, Joseph Morgan, and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1's Kellan Lutz as Poseidon. Coincidentally, Cavill was Stephenie Meyer's initial choice to play the lovestruck vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga movies. Robert Pattinson has since become identified with the role.
Immortals picture: Jan Thijs / Relativity Media.