FRIDAY 7 AM: R-rated raunch ruled overnight at the domestic box office. Universal's reprobate teddy bear comedy Ted debuted with a stunningly strong $2.625M from midnight showings at 1,090 theaters. TV's Seth MacFarlane has now made the successful transition to the big screen. Better yet, the studio's acquisition from MRC had a budget of only $50M. And Warner Bros' male beefcake strippers Magic Mike directed by Steven Soderbergh took in a huge $2.050M from just one show at midnight in 1,100 locations. Chalk up another hit for new star Channing Tatum but with a twist because he and Soderbergh funded the film since Magic Mike is partially based on the actor's experiences as a Florida stripper when he was 19. And a low-cost acquisition of domestic rights for the studio as well. 'Off to a great start!' a WB exec gushed this morning. Both pics are receiving great reviews and major pre-sales going into this weekend that kicks off Fourth Of July week. (Rarely has there been a Friday when I've wanted to see two opening major studio pics like these.) Also debuting today are Lionsgate's PG-13 Madea's Witness Protection from producer/director/star Tyler Perry as his stereotypical cross-dressing alter ego. And DreamWorks' PG-13 dramedy People Like Us which distributor Disney always knew was a small movie unlikely to get traction at the box office beyond single digits.
Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.
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