Taylor Swift's 'The Official Release Party of a Showgirl' has stormed to the top of the box office, earning $15.8 million on its opening day from 3,702 locations. The film, which is set to leave screens after a limited three-day run, is projected to achieve a weekend total between $25 million and $30 million.
Announced only two weeks ago, the release packages a music video, behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos for Swift's 12th studio album. Ticket prices were fixed at $12, with an upcharge for premium large-format screenings. Early audiences awarded the film a rare 'A+' CinemaScore.
In contrast, Dwayne Johnson's 'The Smashing Machine' struggled, earning approximately $2.6 million on Friday from 3,345 locations. The A24 drama is now pacing for a third-place debut, with projections below $8 million. It received a lukewarm 'B-' CinemaScore from audiences.
Warner Bros.' 'One Battle After Another' took $3.3 million on Friday, holding well with a 43% drop from its opening day. Meanwhile, Universal's 'Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie' fell sharply, and 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' remained in the top five after nearly a month of release.
