Space Jam: A New Legacy to Have Strong $31 Million Weekend Debut

Even with Space Jam: A New Legacy in homes on HBO Max, Warner Bros. proves again that when they shell out on TV spots, they can open the film in movie theaters to a solid number. In this case, it was the best 3-day we’ve seen for a family film during the pandemic, with $31.65M.

The surprise #1 “Space Jam” is the fourth biggest opening weekend (just ahead of “Godzilla vs. Kong, which opened on a Wednesday), and ahead of all the other family films. This came despite bad reviews and alternative viewing. Per Warners, 58 percent of the audience was Black or Latino.

The basketball comedy for a new NBA generation (LeBron James instead of Michael Jordan in the 1996 version) opened during the sport’s championship (though without its star’s involvement) and as Team USA gears up for the Olympics. The budget for the live-action/animation hybrid is a reported $150 million. The 1996 “Space Jam” earlier opened to around $60 million, adjusted.