There’s growing concern that families prefer to watch animation at home versus a potentially expensive trip to the movies. Like superhero fare, animation is struggling to find its footing in the post-pandemic era. Universal and Illumination’s animated event pic Migration is tracking for a tepid $13 million four-day opening, or a range of $11 million to $15 million, according to NRG data. The big-budget tentpole is still assured of topping the holiday box office, although early tracking isn’t exactly instilling the Christmas spirit in Hollywood executives. In addition to problematic tracking, the film’s presales are sluggish, according to rival studio sources, although they could pick up as Warners makes its final marketing push.
Reuniting director James Wan and star Jason Momoa, the movie has faced a number of challenges in reaching the big screen, including several delays, problematic test screenings and three rounds of reshoots. It’s five-day holiday haul through Christmas Day was $97.8 million for a total domestic gross of $104.5 million when including special preview screenings the prior weekend. 21-24 weekend in 2018, and $86.7 million through Monday, which was Christmas Eve. The Lost Kingdom isn’t likely to match the debut of the first Aquaman, which took in $75.8 million over the four-day Dec. Academy Museum Gala Honoring Oprah, Meryl Streep Raises Over $10M at Third Annual Event
