Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning: A Box Office Triumph or a Mission Nearly Impossible?

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One: A Promising Start at the Box Office

Paramount/Skydance’s latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise, titled “Dead Reckoning – Part One,” has had a strong start at the box office with estimated previews of $6 million to $7 million. This figure is expected to surpass the Thursday previews of its predecessor, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” which brought in $6 million in 2018.

The Potential of “Dead Reckoning”

The current estimated figures for “Dead Reckoning” are subject to change as more data becomes available. However, early indications suggest that the film has the potential for even higher box office numbers. It is worth noting that the previews for “Dead Reckoning” began in the afternoon, and there were also premium large format (PLF) fan screenings held earlier in the week. The earnings from these screenings have already been taken into account.

A Lengthy Yet Action-Packed Film

While “Dead Reckoning” is one of the longer movies of the summer, running at 2 hours and 43 minutes (including credits), its length should not deter moviegoers. The film promises an unparalleled action experience that surpasses anything seen in previous Mission: Impossible or Fast and Furious movies. Notably, the Rome, Italy car chase scene stands out as a highlight that will likely leave audiences exhilarated and eager to watch the movie again.

A Strategic Wednesday Start

Paramount has chosen to release “Dead Reckoning” on a Wednesday, which is a smart move considering the film’s runtime and the limited number of showtimes exhibitors can accommodate. By starting midweek, the studio aims to set a new Mission: Impossible franchise five-day record. This approach has proven successful in the past, as demonstrated by Disney’s decision to launch “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” on a Friday, which resulted in a $60.3 million three-day opening before July 4.

Box Office Projections

With overwhelmingly positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds a 98% certified fresh rating, “Dead Reckoning” is expected to perform well at the box office. It is projected to earn around $90 million in its first five days domestically and surpass $250 million worldwide. Comparatively, Tom Cruise’s previous film, “Top Gun: Maverick,” enjoyed a successful run with $19.3 million in U.S. previews, a $126.7 million domestic opening, and a $256.4 million global start. It ultimately grossed $718.7 million domestically and $1.49 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2023 domestically and the second highest-grossing globally after “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

Cruise’s Box Office Track Record

Even if “Dead Reckoning” falls slightly short of expectations this weekend, it’s worth noting that Tom Cruise’s movies often perform exceptionally well at the box office. They tend to gain momentum over time, with success coming in the later stages of their theatrical runs. This trend, commonly referred to as being “backloaded” at the box office, means that there is still room for “Dead Reckoning” to build an audience and generate substantial earnings in the weeks to come.

Editorial and Advice

The success of “Dead Reckoning” at the box office reflects not only the enduring popularity of the Mission: Impossible franchise but also the continued appeal of Tom Cruise as an action star. Despite the film’s lengthy runtime, it offers thrilling and innovative action sequences that go above and beyond previous installments in the series. The strategic decision to have a midweek release provides audiences with ample opportunity to watch the film while being conscious of the limited showtime availability.

Staying Power in the Face of Competition

“Dead Reckoning” faces tough competition from other summer blockbusters such as “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “The Flash.” However, the film’s positive critical reception and the enthusiasm of fans are likely to help it maintain a strong presence at the box office. As history has demonstrated, Tom Cruise’s movies tend to generate enduring interest, drawing in audiences with their high-octane action and captivating storytelling.

Box Office Potential Across the Globe

With its worldwide box office numbers projected to exceed $250 million, “Dead Reckoning” has the potential to be a significant hit internationally. Tom Cruise’s global appeal, combined with the film’s thrilling action sequences, should captivate audiences around the world. The success of “Top Gun: Maverick” is a testament to Cruise’s ability to draw large crowds both domestically and internationally, and “Dead Reckoning” is poised to continue this trend.

Conclusion

With a promising start at the box office, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” has the potential to become a substantial success for Paramount/Skydance. Its action-packed sequences, positive critical reception, and Tom Cruise’s star power all contribute to its potential to captivate audiences both in the United States and globally. As the film continues its theatrical run, it will be interesting to observe how audiences respond and whether it can surpass the impressive numbers achieved by previous entries in the franchise.