Beyoncé’s second concert movie release, Renaissance, is set to make a splash at the box office, targeting a global opening of $30-40 million.
AMC’s latest concert movie release, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, is set to inject excitement into the typically lackluster post-Thanksgiving box office period. Following the success of Taylor Swift’s concert film, AMC is hoping that Beyoncé’s film will continue to draw audiences to theaters. With a global opening projected to reach $30-40 million, Renaissance is poised to make its mark.
Beyoncé’s Unique Appeal Sets Renaissance Apart
Despite the massive success of Beyoncé’s Renaissance concert tour, which grossed close to $600 million in ticket sales, industry experts have noted that her appeal differs from that of Taylor Swift. Consequently, Renaissance is not expected to replicate the opening weekend success of Swift’s Eras Tour, which earned $92.8 million domestically this fall. However, Renaissance is generating strong interest among Black audiences and older women, which may lead to a solid domestic start of around $20 million.
Presales Indicate Strong Audience Interest
Presales for Renaissance have shown promise, with AMC and Regal theaters, known for their significant Black moviegoing audience, reporting robust ticket sales. However, Cinemark, the third-largest theater chain, has not experienced the same level of presales. While Renaissance’s presales are behind those of highly anticipated films like Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and In the Heights, they are still ahead of industry expectations. This suggests that audiences are eager to experience Beyoncé’s concert film on the big screen.
Concert Films’ Box Office Performance
In the realm of wide-release concert films, an opening between $15-20 million is considered very good. Previous examples include Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which opened to $29.5 million in 2011, and Michael Jackson’s This Is It, which grossed $23.2 million in 2009. Even U2’s Rattle & Hum, released in 1988, saw a modest opening weekend of $3.8 million. Swift’s Eras Tour stands out as an exceptional case, as it combined a highly successful live tour with a well-timed theatrical release.
Beyoncé’s Box Office Presence
With access to premium large-format screens and IMAX theaters, Beyoncé’s Renaissance will have a commanding presence at the box office. The film will be shown in 2,539 theaters domestically and an additional 2,780 theaters across 94 territories worldwide. Notable markets for the film’s first weekend include Mexico, the UK, South Africa, Kenya, Australia, and Germany.
Early Reception and Directorial Vision
While there are no official reviews for Renaissance on Rotten Tomatoes yet, Deadline’s Katie Campione praised the film, describing it as capturing the spectacle and energy that make Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour legendary. As the director of the film, Beyoncé brings her unique vision to the concert and documentary hybrid, resulting in a 2½-hour cinematic experience.
Conclusion:
As Beyoncé’s Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé prepares to hit theaters, it aims to energize the post-Thanksgiving box office with its unique appeal and captivating performances. While it may not reach the same opening weekend heights as Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Renaissance is expected to draw in audiences, particularly among Black viewers and older women. With strong presales and a wide release, Beyoncé’s concert film is poised to make a significant impact at the box office, setting the stage for a successful run.
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