On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Jack Dunn breaks down the eye-popping opening weekend for 20th Century’s “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and a strong week 2 hold for last week’s surprise hit, “Michael.” The triumphant return of Miranda Priestly and Co. adds momentum and diversity to what has been a surprisingly strong spring at the multiplexes.
“Devil Wears Prada 2” topped $233 million worldwide with a strong opening in the U.S. and abroad. The big turnout for the adult drama that is a sequel to the beloved 2006 film is another sign of consistency at the box office that has been missing in recent years. The one-two-three-four punch of Amazon MGM’s “Project Hail Mary,” Universal/Illumination’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” Lionsgate’s “Michael” and now Disney/20th Century’s “Devil Wears Prada 2” has been a great warmup for the summer months.
“If you’re Disney and 20th Century Studios, you’re definitely popping some bubbly this weekend for sure,” says Jack Dunn, Variety‘s associate web editor, who helps cover box office. “With $77 million domestically and a whopping $156 million overseas, for a total of $233 million — I guess ‘gird your loins’ and all those quotes translate to any language, because that is a stellar number for overseas.”
“Michael’s” drop of just 44% in its second weekend was also notable for the Michael Jackson musical biopic.
“The holding power is really blowing people away. It looks like this movie is sticking around,” Dunn says.
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