The battle for Smaug’s gold (otherwise known as The Battle of the Five Armies) seems to be fast amassing a hoard of its own at the box office.
Variety reports that, in the USA, the film could have raked in as much $88 million by the end of the weekend. Box Office Mojo figures already place its take at more than $50 million for Dec 17, 18 and 19. And in other markets round the world, the film has quickly marched past the $120 million mark, casually knocking off a largest-ever opening for Warner Bros. in Russia along the way.
If I can add up properly, that means that by Monday (US), Five Armies should be well over the $200 million mark worldwide. That’s a lot of beer and skittles.
Interestingly, Deadline Hollywood says that in the USA, IMAX is around 16% of ticket sales while the ever-controversial 3D version is pulling in about 50% of the gross — which the publication says is higher than for The Desolation of Smaug, but about the same as An Unexpected Journey.
Join us in Los Angeles in February at The One Last Party
We’re hosting a Party of Special Magnificence next February — a toast to all SIX movies, both LOTR trilogy and The Hobbit.
