Breakthrough Targets Christian Audiences on Easter Weekend
by EG
Christian drama Breakthrough will try to dominate the box office this Easter weekend, and it doesn't face competition from any new high-profile releases. It will have to contend with strong holdovers like Shazam! which might appeal to moviegoers who aren't looking for a miracle-based heartwarmer. Read on for details.
The Disney-Fox era at the box office officially commences Wednesday with the opening of Breakthrough, a faith-based film from Fox 2000 that hopes to capitalize on the Easter corridor.
It's the first time that Disney will be reporting numbers for a Fox title since closing its acquisition of a wide swatch of 21st Century Fox last month.
Breakthrough is tracking to post a five-day bow in the $13 million-$17 million range over Easter weekend.
The holiday is notably devoid of a big event offering this year, with many saying it's because of Marvel and Disney's behemoth Avengers: Endgame, which debuts in a little over a week on April 26.
Based on the book of the same name, Breakthrough recounts the inspirational true story of a mother's faith and love when her 14-year-old son falls through the ice into the freezing waters of a Missouri lake. As he lies lifeless in the hospital, her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for her child'’s recovery, even in the face of case history and scientific predictions.
Roxann Dawson directed the pic, with NBA star Stephen Curry among the executive producers alongside producer Devon Franklin (Miracles From Heaven). The cast includes Chrissy Metz, Josh Lucas, Topher Grace and Dennis Haysbert.
Disney will be on double duty Wednesday, when it also opens the nature documentary Penguins in celebration of Earth Day 2019. The Ed Helms-narrated film is tracking for a five-day launch of $5 million to $7 million as Disneynature continues its tradition of releasing films tied to the eco-friendly holiday.
On Friday, New Line's The Curse of La Llorona, based on a Latin-American ghost tale, enters the fray. The horror pic — the latest installment in the blockbuster Conjuring Universe — is projected to earn $15 million to $20 million over Easter weekend proper, meaning it could top fellow New Line holdover Shazam! and Breakthrough.
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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