Transformers: Rise of the Beasts has earned $8.8 million at the domestic box office from Thursday previews, but the Autobots and Maximals now face an even greater challenge than the Decepticons: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse!
According to current estimates, the latest Transformers movie is eyeing a debut of somewhere between $50 million and $60 million. The Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse sequel, meanwhile, is looking to web up $45 million to $55 million after its massive $120 million opening last weekend.
With that in mind, there's every chance the animated movie will remain at #1, denying Rise of the Beasts the top spot at the domestic box office.
Word of mouth could be crucial (especially if fans disagree with critics), as the movie has a dismal 54% on Rotten Tomatoes. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, on the other hand, has 96%, so there is a good chance many families will choose that instead.
Regardless of what happens, things are looking good for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
2018's Bumblebee earned $2.85 million in Thursday previews for a franchise-low $21.6 million debut. Prior to that, Michael Bay's Transformers: The Last Knight scored $8.1 million and $44.68 million, meaning Rise of the Beasts is already beating both of those.
Considering what's teased in the movie's closing moments, this is very good news for those of you hoping for a sequel. There's a long summer ahead which could see Rise of the Beasts ultimately bomb or emerge as a surprise sleeper hit.
"Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world," reads the blockbuster's synopsis, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a '90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new breed of Transformer – the Maximals – to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons."
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts are both playing in theaters.