‘Hobbs & Shaw’ Dwarfs Quentin Tarantino With a $60 Million Opening

Here’s 2019 movie reality: “Fast & Furious” offshoot “Hobbs & Shaw” — starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, and Idris Elba — opened over 50% bigger than than “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” easily besting Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie.That’s not to say “Once Upon a Time” isn’t doing well enough; it’s already made $78 million.

However, it illustrates why studios are reluctant to take risks on originals.

Even with Quentin Tarantino directing A-list stars, the film comes in behind a franchise spinoff.With “The Lion King” placing between the two more recent releases, total business edged up a few million over last year.

Year to date remains close to a half million down, over 6%, with “Hobbs” looking like the final summer release expected to open this well.Irrespective of high-end media coverage and awards potential, “Hobbs” hits core moviegoers’ sweet spot much more than “Once Upon a Time.

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