Taylor Swift’s unconventional theatrical release, 'The Official Release Party of a Show Girl', stormed to the top of the North American box office with $15.8 million on its opening day from 3,702 locations. The 89-minute package, which includes music videos, behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos, is set for a limited three-day run before leaving screens on Sunday. Announced only two weeks ago, the event was priced at $12 per ticket, with an upcharge for premium large-format screens, and earned an A+ CinemaScore from early audiences.
Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson’s dramatic turn in A24’s 'The Smashing Machine' managed only $2.6 million on its opening day from 3,345 locations, heading for a third-place debut likely below $8 million. The UFC biopic, which is tied for A24’s most expensive film at a $50 million production budget, received a lukewarm B- CinemaScore despite positive reviews and a strong festival launch at Venice. If projections hold, it will become Johnson’s lowest opening as a lead, below 2010’s 'Faster' ($8.5 million).
Warner Bros.’ 'One Battle After Another', starring Leonardo DiCaprio, held well with $3.3 million on Friday, down 43% from its opening day. The Paul Thomas Anderson comedy epic, bolstered by strong word-of-mouth and awards buzz, is expected to reach $42 million domestically through Sunday, though its $130 million budget means it needs sustained legs. Universal’s 'Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie' fell sharply, adding $1.2 million on Friday and projecting a 66% drop in its second weekend, while 'The Conjuring: Last Rites' remained in the top five with a similar Friday gross, dropping just 41% from a week ago.
