Disney and Pixar's "Lightyear" opened in theaters over the weekend with $50.5 million in the US, below projections and not enough to top the boxoffice.
The film took the top spot for the second weekend in a row with $58 million. "Top Gun" finished third in the box office with $44 million, a 15% dip from the previous weekend.
Box-office analysts were bullish about Disney's initial projection for "Lightyear." Shawn Robbins predicted an $84 million debut for the movie.
"Lightyear's" first weekend is the lowest for a Pixar film. "Ratatouille," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Onward" are just a few of the films that have done worse in their debut.
There's still hope.
"Coco" went on to gross $210 million in the US and $807 million worldwide after opening with $50.8 million. Will "Lightyear" have those kinds of legs? CinemaScore gave it an A- grade, which indicates a positive reception from the audience.
There are three possibilities for why "Lightyear's" didn't do well at the box office.
The US theatrical industry is making a comeback after being hit by the coronaviruses. This year's box office is up 285% compared to last year.
It is being supported by franchise tentpoles more than ever before.
"Lightyear's" opening weekend is the biggest for an animated movie so far during the Pandemic, as parents and children have been slow to return to theaters.
Both "Dominion" and "Maverick" are playing well and attracted some potential audience. The movie "Maverick" has made $466 million in the US so far.
The movies play on nostalgia. The Buzz Lightyear character from the "Toy Story" movies raised the expectations for "Lightyear" but it is not a "Toy Story" movie.
Chris Evans stated that the movie is the origin story of the human Buzz Lightyear that the toy is based on.
That isn't correct. Andy got a toy from his favorite movie and the title card references that. That movie is this one.
It wasn't until the week of the film's release that Disney began using that quote to market the film.
"Lightyear" is the first Pixar movie to be released in theaters since "Onward" in March 2020.
The last three Pixar movies were released on Disney+.
It's possible that a lot of people stayed home to watch the movie.
It is possible that it may be. 45 days is emerging as a new industry standard as the theatrical window shrinks during the Pandemic. That is how long "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" has been in theaters.
Robbins said that audiences had become conditioned to think of Pixar releases as free.
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