Straight Outta Compton is looking to be a much bigger success than many people expected.
According to Deadline, the critically acclaimed N.W.A. biopic could cross $40 million and possibly crack $50 million in its opening weekend.
Per Deadline:
Universal-Legendary’s Straight Outta Compton about the platinum-selling hip-hop group N.W.A. from Compton, CA is tracking big. Industry estimates think the film can do as high as $40M-50M in 2,751 theaters, while more reserved projections are at mid-to-high $20M. Mid-August has seen excellent launches for critically-acclaimed African American fare that has crossed over, read DreamWorks’ The Help ($26M opening, $169.7M final domestic) and Weinstein Co.’s The Butler ($24.6M opening, $116.6M final domestic), however, those titles skewed older while Compton is skewing younger and across all ethnicities. That’s what is pushing industry opening estimates higher for this title. The biopic, directed by F. Gary Gray, currently has an 89% rotten tomatoes score; just awesome among critics. The film reportedly cost an estimated $29M.
Compton is currently leading Fandango pre-ticket sales. Per their survey, 95% say the film’s themes and story line are relevant today; 84% are looking forward to seeing actor O’Shea Jackson, Jr. playing his real-life father, Ice Cube; 81% describe themselves as N.W.A. fans; while 66% say Dr. Dre’s new album increased their interest in seeing Compton.
The cast and crew of Straight Outta Compton may want to get the bubbly ready.
Congratulations to all involved!
