The Flash is now playing in theaters in most locations worldwide, and the latest box office estimates point to a better-than-expected - though still shy of initial projections - opening weekend in the U.S.
According to an update from Deadline, the Scarlet Speedster's first solo outing is heading for a $26M Friday, which should yield a 3-day of around $64M, and 4-day north of $72M+ at 4,234 theaters.
It's difficult to predict how the movie will perform over the next few weeks. While reviews have been so-so (it currently sits at 67% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences seem to be enjoying it a little more (87%), so positive word of mouth could ensure some longevity.
The wild card is the Ezra Miller situation. We have no idea if general audiences even know (or care) that much about what the actor has been accused of, but a significant number (though probably not significant enough to make any real difference to ticket sales) of people have vowed not to pay to see The Flash because of their (alleged) actions.
Director Any Muschietti is confident that Miller will return as Barry Allen for a sequel, but another Flash movie will be dependent on box office success.
Do you plan to see The Flash this weekend? Let us know in the comments.
"Directed by Andy Muschietti, The Flash features Barry Allen traveling back in time in order to change events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to help. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian…albeit not the one he’s looking for.
Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?"
The Flash is produced by Barbara Muschietti and Michael Disco, with a screenplay by Christina Hodson, and a screen story by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein and Joby Harold, based on characters from DC. Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film.