Johnny Depp film ‘Ebenezer’ gets actor first No. 1 opening in 8 years

Johnny Depp is back at the top of package workplace with his very first studio film in 8 years, and because fallout from a controversial libel trial versus ex-wife Amber Heard left his future in Hollywood in jeopardy.

6 years after he was asked to leave the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, and 3 years after Depp stated that he had “no more requirement for Hollywood,” “Ebenezer,” a Paramount Pictures release, opened in very first location with about $19 million in ticket sales, according to studio price quotes on Sunday. Paramount launched it in 3,535 theaters.

While it may be a far cry from the heights of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, which two times opened over $100 million, and even the $62 million opening of “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in 2018, it is a strong start for the movie, which cost a reported $38 million to produce. Globally, it made $23 million from 63 markets, amounting to a $42 million international launching.

Beyond his franchise fare, Depp more frequently had openings in the $20 million variety (just like “Black Mass” and “Public Enemies”).

The audience for “Ebenezer” had to do with 52% woman and 81% over the age of 25, according to PostTrak exit surveys. About 65% of ticket purchasers stated they would “certainly” suggest the movie to pals. Less than half, or 47%, of the “kid” group (ages 12 and under) stated they would inform their pals they “should see it immediately.”

The Charles Dickens-inspired tale is ranked PG-13 and directed by Ti West, who is best understood for the scary franchise X. Critics were not as warm as audiences about the movie. It’s presently sitting at 52% on Rotten Tomatoes. Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin and Daisy Ridley likewise star.

The concern still stays regarding whether this marks a significant resurgence for Depp, however time may inform. In exit surveys, 51% of spectators pointed out Depp as their factor for going to the movie. Depp’s next movie, a vengeance thriller called “Day Drinker,” is set for a March release from Lionsgate.

Sony’s “Ghost Soldier” and Amazon MGM Studios’ “How to Rob a Bank” likewise opened this weekend to less excitement. “Ghost Soldier,” an action movie starring Jim Caviezel, debuted in 6th location with $5.2 million from 2,558 theaters. “How to Rob a Bank” landed in seventh location with simply under $5.2 million from 2,810 theaters. Worldwide, it made $5.1 million. The movie from “The Fall Guy” director David Leitch had actually a reported net production spending plan of $40 million. Starring Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz and Pete Davidson, “How to Rob a Bank” did not get great evaluations.

“The Cat in the Hat” landed in 2nd location in its 2nd weekend in theaters with $11.4 million, followed by “Godzilla Minus Zero” in 3rd location with $8.3 million (down a massive 73% from its opening). 4th location went to “Ramayana: Rise of a Legend,” likewise in its 2nd weekend, with $5.5 million. And the Elizabeth Holmes documentary “You Can See Everything” completed the leading 5 with simply under $5.5 million, bringing its domestic overall to $89 million.

“Wild Horse Nine” likewise included 1,075 theaters in its 2nd weekend, where it made $4.6 million. Jordan Firstman’s “Club Kid” had among the very best restricted growths of the year with $756,060 on 27 screens. And James Gray’s well-known criminal activity thriller “Paper Tiger” opened in 6 areas in New York and Los Angeles to $215,009 before it broadens across the country next week.

In general it was a slower weekend than last with around $86 million in overall ticket sales from North American theaters. Company must get next weekend, nevertheless, with the release of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.”

Leading 10 films by domestic ticket office

With last domestic figures being launched Monday, this list consider the approximated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak:

1. “Ebenezer,” $19 million.

2. “The Cat in the Hat,” $11.4 million.

3. “Godzilla Minus Zero,” $8.3 million.

4. “Ramayana: Rise of a Legend,” $5.5 million.

5. “You Can See Everything,” $5.5 million.

6. “Ghost Soldier,” $5.2 million.

7. “How to Rob a Bank,” $5.2 million.

8. “Wild Horse Nine,” $4.6 million.

9. “Wildwood,” $4.5 million.

10. “Clayface,” $3.7 million.