The good news is that Paramount Pictures' 'Bob Marley: One Love' has outpaced all expectations in its debut and currently sits at No. 1 at the box office after posting gate receipts amounting to $27.7 million opening weekend. The bad news?
Well, Sony's 'Madame Web' is on pace to being called a flop with one of the lowest debuts of any film centered on a Marvel character. Both films launched on Valentine's Day but, by the weekend, "One Love" emerged as the film the viewing public preferred to see despite poor reviews.
'Bob Marley: One Love' on Track
Starring Kingsley Ben-Adir in the role of Bob Marley, and produced by the Marley estate, 'One Love' is said to be on par with hit musical biopics like 'Elvis' and 'Rocketman.'
Early forecasts predict that 'One Love' will gross $51 million in the first six days of its release. This includes Presidents' Day. It added $29 million from 47 international territories.
Associated Press reports that Paramount distribution chief Chris Aronson noted that pre-release predictions had 'One Love' at around $30 million but moviegoers from a wide range of demographics and locations turned out to support the first big-screen biopic of Marley.
"It was across all generations. It wasn't just a movie for an older audience that grew up with Bob Marley's music," said Aronson. "Our highest quadrant was (age) 18 to 24. A third of the audience was under 25. That, to me, speaks volumes.
'One Love' is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and was produced for approximately $70 million. It chronicles Bob Marley during the making of 'Exodus' in 1977.
Ziggy and Cedella Marley, Bob's children, as well as Rita, his widow, are among the movie's producers. Ziggy Marley, in a statement Sunday, said: "We thank the people for embracing this film and in so doing helping to highlight the message of one love."
Audiences gave the film an "A" on CinemaScore while critics weren't so kind, giving 'One Love' a 43% "fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes.
Meanwhile, 'Madame Web' only earned $15.2 million the weekend of its release and $25.8 million over a six-day period. Audiences (a "C+" CinemaScore) agreed with critics (13% "fresh").
