‘Watchmen’ Breaks Records Before Even Opening!

Whatever you’re belief is surrounding the outcome and level of success that ‘Watchmen’ is capable of, one thing is already certain… ‘Watchmen’ will hold the record as the most widely opening R-rated film in history. The much-anticipated graphic novel adaptation will play on 3,611 screens in the U.S. The new record-holder will triumph over it’s predecessor ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ by a difference of eight locations, having opened with 3,603 locations in 2003.

Not impressed? How about the fact that ‘Watchmen’ will screen at 1,600 locations nationwide at 12:00am Friday morning… or, Thursday at midnight, whichever way you wanna look at it. Zack Snyder’s last film ‘300’ opened with 656 midnight screenings and boasted an unbelievable $28 million opening day, followed by an enormous $71 million opening weekend.

In my own opinion, ‘Watchmen’ will do extremely well with fans of the graphic novel and fans of the genre, but I think it may struggle to find it’s way into the pocket books of those unfamiliar with it’s source material, especially after opening weekend. ‘Watchmen’ isn’t your typical superhero movie. It’s deeper, more detailed and has a much more complex story than ‘Iron Man’ or ‘The Dark Knight’ and I think it will show in the overall box office numbers.

With that said, I imagine opening weekend will be huge and the number of screens it plays on will help. The ultimate factor determining the success or failure of ‘Watchmen’ is going to be the “word of mouth” factor and how those who’ve seen the movie promote or demote their experience to others. My own personal advice… see the movie for yourself and give it a chance. Even if you don’t splurge and spend the extra couple of dollars to see ‘Watchmen’ on the IMAX, just make an effort to see it in the theatre. My hope is that it encourages people to read the graphic novel.

[source: Hollywood Reporter]