Audiences seem to be choosingPokémon Detective Pikachuthis weekend, as Warner Bros.' half-animated epic enjoyed a $20.7 million Friday night, knockingAvengers: Endgameoff its first-place perch for the first time. The film is looking at a pretty good $55-60 million domestic debut, about on par with WB’s last major release,Shazam!.
Detective PikachustarsJustice Smithas a young adult trying to solve the mystery of his father’s disappearance in the Pokémon-populated Ryme City, aided by electric super-sleuth Pikachu (voiced byRyan Reynolds). The film, which has a fantastic A- CinemaScore, goes all in on giving long-time fans of the Pokémon franchise a fully-realized world filled with their favorite pocket monsters. Inhis review, Collider’s Dave Trumbore writes: “If you ever wanted to see Growlithes and Snubbulls partner up with their human counterparts in law enforcement, or see a Squirtle Squad team up to put out a fire, or spy an Octillery serving up Tangela Noodles in a street cafe, thenDetective Pikachuis for you.”
Despite falling to second place for the first time,Avengers: Endgameisn’t exactly hurting for profit. Marvel’s biggest film is looking at a third weekend around $62 million, more than likely passingAvengers: Infinity WarandBlack Pantherto become the third-highest domestic earner of all time.
UA Releasing’sThe Hustletook third place in its Friday night debut with $3.9 million, headed toward a solid $14 million weekend. Directed byChris Addison, the film starsAnne HathwayandRebel Wilsonas two swindlers out to grift a tech billionaire out of his fortunes.
Pretty terrible news forTolkien, as the biopic earned just $825,000 on its first Friday debut, and that’s including $240,000 in Thursday previews.Nicholas Houltstars asLord of the RingscreatorJ.R.R. Tolkienin the film, which is headed toward an estimated domestic opening of $2.5 million.
Take a look at Friday’s numbers below and check back tomorrow to see a few more records get broken. (Numbers viaBox Office Mojo)
Pokémon Detective Pikachu
$20,700,000
Avengers: Endgame
$16,060,000
$676,505,739
The Hustle
$3,956,591
The Intruder
$1,685,000
$16,060,126
$1,650,000
$15,261,935
