Critics Love the All-New ‘Star Trek’ & Thursday Night Previews Deliver a Possible $6.5M-$7.5M!
by Steve MasonSeveral sources at competing studios have told me that J.J. Abrams’ all-new reboot of Star Trek (Paramount), which debuted last night at 7pm at many of its 3,849 locations, may have grossed as much as $6.5M-$7.5M. Studio honchos are “locked down tight” about actual numbers, but that is in the same ballpark as Transformers (Dreamworks/Paramount), which grabbed $8.8M in its previews starting at 8pm on Monday, July 2 during the summer of 2007. (What portion of ticket sales fall into Thursday and what percentage fall into Friday will likely be an open question even after final numbers are in.)
William Shatner (left) with Captain Kirk 2.0 Chris Pine
Keep in mind that Paramount never changed its Star Trek marketing to promote the 7pm Thursday start, so the opening night audience was likely heavy on Trekkers or Trekkies (not sure which term is “politically correct” anymore). So this was a “soft” opening and what amounts to a night of word-of-mouth screenings. Keep in mind that Transformers premiered during the summer when kids are more available while Star Trek has made its premiere during the school year.
The reviews are through-the-roof at 96% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and, as a topic, Star Trek is trending at #1 on Twitter. The reviews in the Twitterverse are just as positive.
just got back from seeing Star Trek. I am not typically a fan of sci-fi, but I really liked this movie.
Star Trek was surprisingly good, and even Star Trek newbies like myself could enjoy it.
I saw the new Star Trek last night with my son, who just turned 7. It was great; we both loved it. Next gen of Trekies/SciFi buffs is born.
I’m still pumped up from having seen Star Trek. Looking forward to seeing it tomorrow and Sunday [diff. grps].
still thinkin’ of how f*****’ awesome Star Trek was. now wanting a phaser to set from “stun” to “kill”
Go see star trek immediately. Incredible!
The new Star Trek movie was great when I went in with low expectations. It is what Nemesis was trying to accomplish and succeeded much …
for those of you who were curious. Star Trek rocked my FACE OFF. It was Shamazing! <3 Spok…*droooool*
Star Trek is fresh, funny, exciting and – biggest surprise of all – emotionally engaging.
Now the question is, “How high will The Enterprise fly on its opening day?” Seems like $20M is a lock, but it could be bigger. If the movie does $20M today, the 4-day should be $63M-$65M. $22M or better should send this spectacularly-reviewed blockbuster past $70M. If the day is $25M or better, the number for the opening 4 days could start with an 8.
I’ll be online with my Exclusive Early Friday & 3-Day Estimates as early as humanly possible tonight (Friday).
Steve Mason is on Facebook and now also on Twitter@LAMase.
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15 Comments
Marvelously made and a good refresh! This Star Trek 'remake' is bound to be a big money maker and outright classic. After seeing the trailers, I think we need to get ready for the T.V. Series knockoffs, though. I will be attending a premiere night and I look forward to the event!
Star Trek was a downright great movie. I really need to see it again, because I feel like I was gobsmacked through most of the movie. It was spectacular!
If Wolverine could do more than $80 million, why not Star Trek?
The movie is amazing, way beyond even my own expectations, me being a long-time Star Trek fan. I was blown away by the graphics, the special effects — the battle scenes were dramatic and intense. But I was equally amazed at how the characters themselves were introduced and represented. Every actor in the movie did an exceptional job, although I was most impressed by Zachary Quinto as Spock. I told my husband as we were leaving the theatre that the new Spock was going on my short list of "actors to watch" — definite eye candy, hehe. The story itself is engaging, too. I see a totally new direction ahead for the Star Trek franchise, a way for Paramount to create a fresh, new look at an old tale from a completely different perspective. The whole time travel twist creates a new game to play with, anyway. Great, great job!
It's going to make a lot of money, and it deserves to. Very well done…
It was everything a summer movie should be. As Star Trek, though, it was a travesty. No wonder they've been telling everyone "forget everything you know" and "not your father's Star Trek."
I will see the movie but Chris Pine is no William Shatner
Kinda like seeing George Lazenby replacing Sean Connery
The new Kirk, Spock, etc look too boyish or as William Shatner would say to them "Wuss"
I am so excited to see this tonight. Going to see it here in NYC. The cast looks amazing and though I'm not a big Trek fan, I am sure I can catch on quick with this one. I also saw this amazing interview online where the guys really just seem to get along so well, plus they look really hot, lol. Enjoy the Trek eye candy!
http://tinyurl.com/startrekint
Also check out this gallery too of the entire cast, past and present and more!! So good….
http://tinyurl.com/startrekpictures
Just got back from seeing Star Trek. I have seen a few of the other movies and even watched the show but I would not say I am a Trekkie like some people. But I LOVED IT! It was such a good movie that I anxiously await the DVD already. You people who really followed the show must but overjoyed! What a great job!
I think the politically correct term for a Star Trek fan is "virgin".
I like this line from this review… : )
"Chris Pine wants to be Tom Cruise but he isn’t even Mark Hamill."
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/star-trek-meekly-goe...
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Both Trekie and Trekker are correct. A Trekie is a fan who regular, every day, huge fan of the show. A Trekker is a more sophisticated fan. So while a Trekie might have a really cool mock up of, say, a tri-corder, a Treker could give you a run down on the type of theoretical circuitry that would make one actually work. Or, a Trekie would know that dylithium crystals are critical to warp drive, a Treker could tell you, what size, shape works best, why, and probably knows the name of several planets (or solar systems) where they are mined.
I was a Trekker. I was fascinated by the Enterprise ship itself. Some where, in a spare closet upstairs, I still have a copy of the blue prints to it.
And no, I'm not a virgin. Just ask my 16 year old daughter.
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