The opening box-office for Robert Pattinson’s new film “Water for Elephants,” a romantic drama that’s set amid a traveling circus during the 1930s, shows the young heartthrob may have reach beyond his blockbuster vampire franchise “Twilight.” Based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel of the same name, the film adaptation earned a better than expected $17.5 million, according to early estimates from distributor 20th Century Fox. Industry insiders believed the film would draw in the low-to-mid teens.
“It really over-performed,” said Fox distribution executive Bert Livingston, citing the film’s “old-time filmmaking” as one of the movie’s strongest assets, as well the popularity of the source material. “It’s a book that was on the bestseller list twice, so people had two chances to read it,” he said.
While reviews were decidedly mixed–it averaged a 54 out of 100 on review aggregation site Metacritic.com–the film scored a solid A- Cinemascore rating and strong positive word-of-mouth.
Based on the studio’s demographic exit polls, however, Pattinson’s “Twilight” fans were not big supporters of the movie: 70% of ticket-buyers were over 25.
“Pattinson batted in his wheelhouse, given the storyline and his character,” said Box Office Mojo president Brandon Gray. “Then again, Pattinson is still a relatively unproven draw, and this movie did co-star the more established Reese Witherspoon.”
If Pattinson’s followers may not have turned up in force, the studio is touting the sales numbers as evidence of a strong showing from older audiences, who are often less consistent moviegoers. “Adults don’t come out early for a movie–they take their time,” said Livingston. “So to open this strong is really a good sign for us. This movie will play a long time.”
Pattinson’s previous attempt at non-”Twilight” dramatic acting, 2010′s “Remember Me,” fared poorly at the box office, with an $8 million opening and a $19 million U.S. gross.
For Pattinson’s “Twilight” co-star Kristin Stewart, it’s been more challenging. A number of independent films that have tried to capitalize on the actress’s post-”Twilight” recognition have disappointed at the box office, including “Welcome to the Rileys,” “The Runaways” and “The Yellow Handherchief.”
While hunky “Twilight” breakout Taylor Lautner had a small role in WB’s successful ensemble romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day,” he’ll get his first big test as a leading man in John Singleton’s “Abduction,” an action film to be released by Lionsgate this fall.
Via Wall Street Journal
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