It's not an easy task… predicting which films released this summer will be a hit. Sure, there are certain flicks that have "box office gold" written all over them. Did anyone really doubt Finding Dory would break records? How about Captain America: Civil War? Profits on that one were most likely counted before the movie was even released.
But often times, there can be surprises at the theater - both good and bad. Unfortunately, the 2016 summer box office has been filled with the latter… i.e. lots of flops. From Alice through the Looking Glass to Independence Day: Resurgence, audiences are either being more mindful of their choices, or steering clear of unnecessary sequels. Neighbors 2, the latest X-Men, and even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows have had trouble replicating the success of prior installments.
This past weekend seemed to follow suit, as two new (and expensive) releases failed to create much fireworks.
The Legend of Tarzan and the BFG, both adaptations, underperformed, meaning the projects could generate losses for studios. After all, if a film doesn't do well right out of the gate, chances of it earning a profit are slim to none. Enter foreign markets and DVD/Blu-Ray sales.
And though summer is officially half over, there are still plenty of films on the horizon, evoking the question: What will be the next box office bomb of summer?
Things don't look too good for Ghostbusters. Whether it's a remake or potential reboot of the series, the universal negative reaction to the trailer implies trouble for Columbia Pictures.
Ice Age: Collision Course could find itself in a similar place. While the franchise has a built-in-audience, it will be interesting to see if the film's fan base can out swim Finding Dory. Then again, kids (and parents) may be ready for a new scene on dry land.
Rounding out the rest of summer, you'll find yourself with blockbuster options that include Star Trek Beyond, Jason Bourne, and Suicide Squad. And while it could be natural to assume these films will meet the same fate as other big budget releases from the first half of the season, it's likely that at least two of these movies will do well.
Dedicated Bourne fans are anxious to see Matt Damon back on the scene, while DC Comics fanatics have been eagerly awaiting Jared Leto's portrayal of the Joker for well over a year.
But do either pack enough appeal to turn the lackluster summer 2016 box office around?
Cutter Slagle is the published author of horror, mystery, and suspense fiction. His debut novel was released in hardback last fall. He is currently a contributing columnist for Rage Monthly magazine. Cutter earned a degree in English and minor in creative writing from The Ohio State University. He lives in Southern California where he continues to write.
