Taylor Swift’s latest theatrical event, *Life of a Showgirl*, is making waves at the domestic box office. It’s projected to earn between $28 million and $32 million from over 3,700 theaters during its opening weekend. In contrast, Dwayne Johnson’s film, *The Smashing Machine*, is struggling to attract audiences, with expectations of only $6 million from approximately 3,345 theaters.
Taylor Swift’s Showgirl Dominates Box Office
Swift’s *Life of a Showgirl* is anticipated to secure the top spot at the box office, bolstered by strong fan support. Some estimates even predict earnings to exceed $35 million. In stark contrast, *The Smashing Machine* has received a lukewarm response, earning $2.7 million on its opening Friday.
Performance Comparison
- Life of a Showgirl: Expected $28M to $35M opening weekend
- The Smashing Machine: Projected $6M opening weekend
Despite receiving a mixed response, *The Smashing Machine* currently holds a 77 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it has fallen short of its initial expectations, which estimated a $12 million to $14 million debut.
Audience Reception
Fans of Taylor Swift have shown overwhelming enthusiasm. The film has achieved an impressive A+ CinemaScore, mirroring the successful reception of her previous concert film, *Eras Tour*. Notably, almost 90 percent of Friday’s attendees were women, indicating strong engagement from Swift’s core audience.
Behind the Scenes
Swift’s team maintained secrecy around the *Showgirl* project until just before its announcement. The special event was revealed on September 19, with advance tickets selling for $12. This choice of pricing aligns with Swift’s affinity for numerology, as *Showgirl* is her twelfth studio album.
Film Details
*Life of a Showgirl* includes lyric videos, music videos, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. A significant highlight is the world premiere of the music video for the single “The Fate of Ophelia,” which Swift directed herself.
Production Insights
- Budget: $15 million
- Box Office Milestone: *Eras Tour* grossed $261.6 million globally
In terms of distribution, Swift collaborated with AMC Theatres and Variance Films for U.S. and Canadian release, similar to her previous project. The film is only scheduled to run for three days, catering specifically to her dedicated fan base.
The Smashing Machine: A Missed Opportunity
Directed by Benny Safdie, *The Smashing Machine* chronicles the life of Mark Kerr, a former wrestler dealing with personal struggles. This movie marks Johnson’s first attempt in the awards space, but it seems to be falling flat at the box office.
For audiences eager for expanded cinematic experiences, James Cameron’s *Avatar: The Way of Water* is also back in theaters, projected to earn between $2 million and $3 million this weekend.
Overall, this weekend’s box office results showcase Taylor Swift’s *Life of a Showgirl* as a standout success, while *The Smashing Machine* battles to recover from a disappointing debut.
