J. Kim Murphy “Transformers One” doesn’t seem primed for a breakout start after earning $9.56 million from 3,978 locations across Friday and preview screenings.
That puts the animated prequel, co-produced by Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment, on track for a $26.3 million opening weekend in North America, pacing behind industry projections for a $30 million-plus debut.
Those domestic numbers don’t qualify as a definitive nonstarter for the Paramount release, which was produced at a $75 million budget — a smaller price tag than is typical for a studio animated feature, or a live-action “Transformers” entry for that matter.
Moreover, this franchise has proven to be more appealing to international audiences, especially in recent years. But it’s difficult to imagine that there weren’t hopes for a bigger opening to put some more space between “Transformers One” and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” which, in its third weekend, is still a contender to lead the charts.
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