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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
For a horror film, no one would expect for this year’s adaptation of Stephen King’s IT to do so well. Fans of the 1986 novel, the 1990 miniseries, and the author’s work in general however have had high hopes. The film began with a budget of $35 million, and this weekend’s opening alone topped box office records. IT‘s opening earned a surprising $117.9 million and is expected to gain another $62 million overseas, making a total of $179 million globally.
According to Variety, IT‘s opening has broken the record for largest September debut, which was previously held by 2015’s Hotel Transylvania 2 ($48.5 million). The film broke the record for the biggest opening by a horror/ supernatural film, previously held by 2011’s Paranormal Activity 3 ($52.6 million). The movie would have topped Deadpool‘s record of $132.4 million as the biggest rated R opening had Hurricane Irma not impeded this happenstance.
Warner Brothers’ President of Domestic Distribution Jeff Goldstein credits the story, the production, and the marketing for the movie’s success. He hopes there will be potentially more horror films if a good story comes to light. The spectacular cast deserves the praise as well.
Keep in mind that this movie only involves the Losers as children, and the director has already made plans for a sequel, which deals with them as adults 27 years later. Goldstein also adds:
“It puts more pressure on us to come up with the best version of the story so we bring fans what they want to see. We’ve had a lot of history with franchises. Some are great, and some we wish we had a little bit more story. Fortunately, there’s a lot here in this story.”
UPDATE: IT broke Deadpool’s box office record for biggest R-rated opening.
If you have not yet seen the film, I wrote a rather short article explaining why this movie is worth watching. I assure you that there will not be any jump scares as you read it, but I do urge you to enter the theaters for this film and support its box office. Facing your fears is something you must do, and this movie will teach you more than just that along the way. If you have seen the movie already or do not have any problems whatsoever with spoilers, I also wrote a rather lengthy article reviewing, discussing, and analyzing the novel, the miniseries, and the film (at least, primarily the perhaps pivotal parts pertaining to the Losers as children).
The first chapter of IT is floating in theaters today. For more Stephen King and IT-related news and reviews, follow Geek Motivation on Twitter (@GEEKMOTIVATION) and Instagram (@geekmotivation).
Written by: John Tangalin
Sources: Variety and Vanity Fair
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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