Is the franchise in trouble?

LaszloPanaflex

Forbes reported a huge 80% Friday-to-Friday drop at the box office for Alien: Covenant, and are predicting an overall $80 million in domestic box office earnings.  Some are forecasting an overall global total of roughly $250 million.  Factoring in marketing of the film, this will yield a very modest profit for Fox.  In addition, this will come in way below the $400 million that Prometheus made during it's theatrical run world wide.

Ridley Scott has been rather outspoken about continuing the saga though more sequels.  However, I believe the numbers will have Fox change course in how they move forward with the franchise.

What do you think will happen?  Will Fox put the xenomorph on ice for a while?  Will they hire a director they feel will take the franchise in a bold and fresh new direction?  Perhaps Fox may end up resurrecting Blomkamps Alien sequel, afterall...

Starlogger

Umm...no. This movie has done very well, and it hasn't even been fully released yet.

djamelameziane

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/showdowns/chart/?id=covprom.htm

Hard to tell but feeling not great... the budget for a start dropped $33 million from Prometheus.. 

dk

djamelameziane Interesting link. It seems a little early to call. A couple things- I didn't see a total time period and whether that included DVD sales? Also, There seemed to be more hype in 2012 in general since it was RS returning to the series. I have a feeling it will do well enough for FOX to greenlight another movie. Apparently it is written and who knows- maybe they filmed a few things on AC set since everything was already set up.

Lone

With A L I E N, PROMETHEUS and now COVENANT, Ridley has made FOX a massive profit over the years, all things considered.

With the DVD/Blu-ray and associated merchandise still to come, I should think they will be happy enough to let him continue.

Starlogger

@dk it has ALREADY done what Fox wanted. So everything now is gravy. 

Remember, it's all about merchandise now. Box office doesn't mean much, anymore, for better or for worse.

And @Lone you must be online with me right now, for we posted at the same time, but apparently we agree!

joylitt

It is ironic they wanted to associate with slasher movies, because that is exactly the box office performance the movie is having. Just like a slasher with bad word of mouth.

dk

Starlogger Yes, I figure they will do well with the blu ray audience like me who will pre order and buy it again if a director's cut is made. I was just wondering if the link accounted for merch or was straight box office.

Starlogger

@dk gotcha. I don't know the answer to your question, but that would be of interest.

Lone

Hahah Starlogger check us, we posted at the exact same time 1.19pm!

Facehuggers

Alien: Covenant is SUBLIME! It'd be a shame if it doesn't profit well... I absolutely loved it!