Transformers Tracking For Huge First Week

According to Deadline Hollywood, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is tracking so well that it is entirely feasible that it could make as high as $175 million on its opening five-day week.

Paramount is gonna call me screaming any moment. But rival studios are telling me they expect Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen to open with a high of $175M for its 5-day opening from Wednesday, June 24 to Sunday, June 28. Because the sequel came onto tracking HUGE today. Paramount will try to lower expectations. But here's what can't be argued: Spider-Man 2 opened on Wednesday, June 30, 2004, and did $152 million for its first 5 days. So Transformers 2 feels like at least it should be in the $160+M range.

Why would Paramount want lower expectations? The main reason is to shoot for good press. The first weekend box office results will either lead with Transformers exceeded or failed to meet expectation. Obviousily the studio wants to encourage the more positive story and the best way to do that is low ball their expectations. Thanks to Jace for the link.