Universal Pictures is set to release its live-action adaptation of DreamWorks Animation’s beloved franchise, How to Train Your Dragon. Early estimates indicate that the film could rake in between $8 million and $9 million in preview earnings. This figure encompasses revenues from both tonight's showings and early fan access screenings. However, it's important to note that these numbers are industry estimates and may fluctuate before Universal officially reports them in the morning.
While initial projections for the weekend ranged from $65 million to $75 million, exhibitors are optimistic and pushing for a potential $100 million opening. Given the current summer box office climate, more high-earning films like this one are eagerly anticipated following the Memorial Day weekend.
The early audience reception for How to Train Your Dragon has been exceptionally positive. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 99% audience score. Critics, too, have responded favorably, awarding it a 77% certified fresh rating. For comparison, this score surpasses the audience rating for Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, which stands at 93%, while its critics’ score is 72%.
Previews for How to Train Your Dragon began today at 2 PM. The film's preview earnings are competitive, closely mirroring those of Frozen 2, which earned $8.5 million and went on to achieve a $130.2 million opening. However, it falls short of Lilo & Stitch's impressive $14.5 million preview revenue, which led to a robust $146 million opening. In comparison, it also outperformed Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, which garnered $7.6 million and opened at $61 million.
Notably, How to Train Your Dragon has shown remarkable growth in its early financial performance compared to previous entries in the franchise. The third film, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, earned $3 million in previews and opened with $55 million, while the second installment, How to Train Your Dragon 2, made only $2 million in its previews, ultimately leading to a $49.4 million opening. Collectively, the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy has grossed nearly $1.7 billion at the global box office, showcasing the franchise's immense popularity and financial success.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting release as we anticipate Universal's official earnings report in the morning!
