Displaying a strong pulse during the Super Bowl B.O. frame, Variety reports that Summit’s zombie comedy Warm Bodies (review) met the most aggressive industry expectations, earning an estimated $20 million in three days.
The film’s projection could fluctuate through Super Bowl Sunday, however. Summit is estimating the film will have a 68% drop from Saturday to Sunday — comparable to how similarly teen-targeted Chronicle was effected by the game this time last year.
Bodies received little assistance from its fellow wide openers: Warner Bros.’ Sylvester Stallone R-rated actioner Bullet to the Head failed to gain any yardage with a dismal $4.5 million debut, while Lionsgate’s modest opening of old-timer comedy Stand Up Guys, at just 659 locations, estimated a mere $1.5 million through Sunday.
The weekend’s top holdover, Paramount’s Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters failed to reach double digits. Witch Hunters grossed an estimated $9.2 million, for a Stateside cume of $34.5 million.