John Krasinski's new movie "IF" made its debut at the box office this weekend, claiming the top spot with a $35 million North American opening. While some projections had predicted a higher opening weekend, the film's performance is still seen as a success by Paramount, the studio behind the movie.
Starring Ryan Reynolds and a star-studded cast of A-list voices, "IF" is an original idea from Krasinski, who wrote, directed, and co-stars in the film. With a reported production budget of $110 million, the movie was released in over 4,000 theaters in North America and earned an additional $20 million internationally.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, "IF" received a solid A CinemaScore from audiences, indicating positive word of mouth. The film's family-friendly PG rating also positioned it as the first major family movie to open in theaters in weeks, potentially setting it up for a strong run throughout the summer.
In a summer box office season that has yet to see a standout hit like previous years, "IF" has emerged as a bright spot alongside other successful films like "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." With upcoming releases like "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and "The Garfield Movie," the summer movie season is expected to pick up momentum as more audiences return to theaters.
While the 2024 box office may not match the heights of previous years, industry analysts remain optimistic about the potential for films like "IF" to attract audiences and drive ticket sales. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, moviegoers will have the opportunity to catch up on films they may have missed, potentially benefiting films with strong word of mouth like "IF."