‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian’ Set For Box Office Crown
Two weeks after “Iron Man” opened to $99 million at the North American box office, “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” will likely earn almost as much this weekend.
Industry observers expect the fantasy sequel will gross $85 million or more during the three-day period beginning Friday. Its 2005 predecessor, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” opened to $65.6 million, and finished with $292 million.
The Disney release has been scoring high in prerelease surveys for must-see sentiment among all demographics and has drawn solid early reviews from critics.
The second book in a 1950s children’s literature series written by the theologically rooted C.S. Lewis, the sequel features a more adult central character via the title role, played by Ben Barnes (”Stardust“). Both films were directed by Andrew Adamson.
Disney distribution president Chuck Viane said:
“This is the quintessential general-audience film — moms and dads, families, date-pic couples, teens by themselves — this plays to everybody”.
Walden Media, a family-friendly production company owned by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz, is a co-financer and equity partner on the film, which totes production costs of nearly $200 million.
After two weekends at No. 1, “Iron Man” will pass the $200 million mark. As of Wednesday, the Paramount and Marvel superhero saga had earned $188 million.
But the Warner Bros. dud “Speed Racer” will likely crash again, a week after the costly adventure opened at No. 3 with just $18.6 million.
‘The Chronicles of Narnia 2: Prince Caspian’ Banners
BadTaste has released three new posters from the upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia 2: Prince Caspian“.
The second installment of “The Chronicles of Narnia” is set a year after the introduction to the four brave Prevensie siblings. They re-enter the magical land, only to learn that a long time has passed and the evil King Miraz, who is the leader of Telmarines, now rules Narnia. Prince Caspian is the rightful heir to the throne but has been forced into hiding by the cruel king, his uncle. With a little help from the now-experienced Prevensies and some new friends, Caspian sets out to take what is rightfully his.
Recently, director Andrew Adamson revealed that “Prince Caspian” will be much bigger in scale than the original, and will also be more complicated. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 16th.
