Box-Office Preview: 'Solo' Headed for Lowest Opening of Disney 'Star Wars' Movies

Hollywood Reporter ^ | May 23, 2018 | Pamela McClintock

[C19fan]

If all goes well, a young Han Solo and his band of outcasts will take out Captain Jack Sparrow and set a new Memorial Day weekend record at the box office.

Disney and Lucasfilm's spinoff Solo: A Star Wars Story is tracking to open to $130 million to $150 million over the long holiday weekend, with $130 million being on the low end of expectations. To date, the Memorial Day weekend record-holder for the top domestic launch is 2007's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End with $139.8 million, not adjusted for inflation.

[treetopsandroofs]

Isn’t Hand-Solo just a supporting character in his own film?

As a youngster, I liked Hand-Solo in A New Hope, but by V and VI enjoyed Ham Salad just as much.

[a fool in paradise]

Hollywood is more hostile than ever to my religious, my politics, my skin color, my country, etc.

I don’t engage their product, it isn’t crafted for me.

I dropped all tv in 2008 with the politicize everything propaganda effort of that election.

I glimpse something here or there every so many years but from advertisers to programming execs, I am not their intended audience.

[a fool in paradise]

Oldie but goodie. They used to show that on HBO in the 70s.

[RandallFlagg]

Your last paragraph almost repeats something that George Lucas said:

“A special effect is a tool, a means of telling a story. A special effect without a story is a pretty boring thing.”

Ironic, ain’t it?

[jonno]

I dunno - this piece from Variety piqued my interest.
FWIW - it’s seems that Harrison Ford thought it was great.

http://variety.com/2018/film/features/solo-a-star-wars-story-directors-reshoots-ron-howard-1202817841/

[RayChuang88]

From what I've read, the movie has a bit of Leftist virtue signaling. It may not do well in the theaters because of this.

[Rummyfan]

It appears Disney is going to milk this Cosmic Cow for all she’s worth.

As long as the movies keep making money they'll keep making the movies. And with a dedicated fan base it's going to take a lot to drive them away. Production values are not in question - no expense is spared. But the plots are another thing.

[EdnaMode]

I think they’re still overestimating it. $130 seems too high.

[EdnaMode]

Apparently a lot of people didn’t listen.

[freepertoo]

Han was never a supporting character, even though he was. He stole the show. Let’s see what the new kid can do, but...I have a bad feeling, etc.

[freepertoo]

You missed a lot of fun with the first three.

[barbarianbabs]

I did suffer through Raiders of the Lost Ark...yuck. All that German hate.

[al_c]

Hardware Wars!!!! Classic!!!

[EdnaMode]

It was one of the best Star Wars parodies ever.

[married21]

“it’s all about new generations of “special effects”

---

I disagree. I think the people who like Star Wars actually are interested in the characters and their stories and their world. That’s why there are dozens of Star Wars books on sale, fleshing out the whole fictional world and all the back-stories of the characters. Books don’t have any special effects. I think the fans “get it” more than George Lucas ever did. They will put up with some cheesy acting and flawed movies because they can fill in more interesting stuff with their own imagination. Also, the good vs. evil and moral dilemnas keep people going. It’s part of the attraction to all the super-hero movies as well, and even some horror movies.

[a fool in paradise]

He’s a background playa in his own breakout movie.

They should’ve just made it about Lando and called it Rogue Two

[Charles Martel]

FWIW - it’s seems that Harrison Ford thought it was great.

So did Billy Dee Williams, apparently. I suspect that they smell an uptick in franchise-wide royalties.

[dfwgator]

FWIW - it’s seems that Harrison Ford thought it was great. So did Billy Dee Williams, apparently. I suspect that they smell an uptick in franchise-wide royalties.

"Merchandising, merchandising, where the real money from the movie is made."

[Crusher138]

What drives crotchety old guys to post on every Star Wars thread that they have never seen a Star Wars movie and never will?

Is it some sort of conservative virtue signaling?

It is almost as bad as the anti-Apple posters and those suffering from TDS.

We really don’t care. Sincerely.

[RinaseaofDs]

Disney killed that cow with social justice last year.

The 7 women, 2 men writing team behind Star Wars 7: The Hypergamy Strikes Back turned The Last Jedi into something nobody could love, and didn’t make sense, even in SciFi.

Solo is going to bomb. People who grew up with the series are out, and my kid’s generation doesn’t care.