Two weeks ago, the first tracking numbers surfaced for Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games, Gary Ross’ adaptation of the first novel in Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy. What they showed were very impressive, suggesting figures close to $70m. in its opening weekend in the US were possible, if not probable, which would put it past the first Twilight film’s $69.6m. debut.
THR are now reporting that, two weeks on, the tracking numbers have only been improving since then, and posit the possibility of a nine-figure opening, with the numbers now even better than the latest Twilight instalment, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, which took $138.1m. in its November opening last year, the fifth-best US debut of all time.
“Box-office observers say it’s difficult to predict exactly how much Hunger Games will make, offering a more conservative estimate of $100 million to $120 million. They say it’s difficult to predict a number when tracking becomes this big and a film gets into the $100 million-plus range.”
The budget for the film is estimated somewhere between $80m. and $100m., and it looks like it could well make that back in a matter of days in the US alone, not to mention the international box office, opening in thirty other markets outside of the US and UK next weekend as well.
The film’s promotional campaign has been incredibly impressive over the past few months, and the tracking numbers would suggest that it’s done its job very well, and sustained a huge level of interest in the film.
The Hunger Games will be opening on 23rd March in the UK and the US (as well as dozens of other countries), and will also be heading to the IMAX if you’d like to see it on an even bigger screen when it comes out.
All eyes will be on the box office figures as they come in through the weekend. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax set the US box office alight a few days ago, topping $70m., the biggest opening of 2012 so far. And it looks like The Hunger Games is poised to take the title very soon. It should be interesting. For all our coverage of the film so far, you can click right here.
