Hunger Games Destroys Competition in its Second Weekend

According to Box Office Mojo, the Hunger Games has earned $61 million this weekend (-60% from last weekend), beating out weak performances from both Wrath of the Titans and Mirror Mirror. Of course, any number after its record breaking $152.5 million last weekend will seem small, but it has had an incredible hold all throughout the week, grossing almost $50 million, as well as another strong hold this weekend. It has continued to break records, with the 10 day haul being the highest for a non-sequel, the 7th highest second weekend ever (just for comparison, it has significantly beat all four Twilight movies in that regard), and also the fastest non-sequel to hit $250 million domestically. Although most outlets are reporting that Hunger Games is on track to hit $350 million worldwide, the numbers and the small percentage drop show that it could have legs, and play well all throughout April, lending a possibility of it reaching a final domestic gross of $400 million. This is also possible due to the fact that April releases are weak across the board, with the only major movies playing are American Reunion (which doesn't share much of Hunger's demographic), Titanic 3D (which is a re-release), and Pirates! (which releases at the tail end of April).

Meanwhile, Wrath of the Tians debuted in second place, with a weekend gross of $34.2 million. For a movie that has a budget estimated to be $125 million, the opening weekend clearly does not match up. Both the reviews and opening weekend are worse than the first one, so to make back their budget/earn a profit, they will really have to do excellent business overseas to justify making this sequel, which many also deemed to be unnecessary and a blatant cash grab.

In third place was Mirror Mirror, which is considered the biggest disappointment of all when it came even lower than tracking suggested with $19 million for the weekend. In this case, not only is that significantly lower than Director Tarsem Singh's Immortals, but it is a miniscule amount when compared to its budget ($85 million). Of course, Mirror Mirror's target demographic was younger girls, but most of that demographic is still buying tickets for the Hunger Games. Relativity is hoping that with spring break coming up next week, Mirror Mirror will have longetivity and continue to play, if only to recover their production budget, since making a profit seems very unlikely at this point.

I would say expect Hunger Games to cross $380 million domestically by the end of its run, Wrath of the Titans to barely cross $100 million, and its lucky if Mirror Mirror breaks $80 million.