Transformers: The Last Knight, the fifth installment in the series directed by Michael Bay, should gross about $69 million from 4,069 domestic locations during its five-day opening weekend.
That’s a franchise low for the sequel from Paramount and Hasbro, behind the first in the modern series, which earned $70.5 million in 2007.
Transformers: The Last Knight, which carries an estimated $217 million budget, is the latest summer blockbuster to bank on overseas ticket sales.
In China, the big-budget action sequel made $41 million in its opening day alone. The projected international gross through Sunday is $196.2 million, powered by $123.4 million in China.
Imax screens will account for $24.3 million of the film’s total earnings this weekend.
The latest take on the series centers on an alliance between Bumblebee, Cade Yeager — who Mark Wahlberg also played in 2014’s “Age of Extinction” — and roles played by franchise newcomers Anthony Hopkins and Laura Haddock. Together, the team works together to save the world. Audiences have earned the film a B+ CinemaScore, while critics have mostly dismissed it — it currently holds a 15% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“We’re thrilled by this opening,” said Lisa Bunnell, Focus Features’ distribution president. “This is Focus’ third collaboration with Sofia and she’s created an entertaining, atmospheric thriller featuring strong female representation in front of and behind the camera.”
Kumail Nanjiani’s critically acclaimed romantic comedy The Big Sick should earn $435,000 during its opening weekend in five locations — that would give the Lionsgate and Amazon Studios release the highest per screen average of any film that has opened this year so far.
“Kumail and Emily’s true story provided audiences of all ages a much-needed alternative to the summer blockbusters,” said Bob Berney, Amazon Studios’ distribution chief.
Wonder Woman continues to impress, holding onto second place during its fourth weekend in theaters. This weekend, it should earn an additional $25.2 million, bringing its domestic total to $318.4 million. The film is now the highest-grossing live-action movie to be directed by a woman–Patty Jenkins.
Disney and Pixar’s “Cars 3” looks to earn $25.2 million domestically during its second weekend. Some estimates have the film slightly lower, just below $25 million. The family film, which won last weekend’s box office, is expected to pass the $100 million mark in North America by Monday.