Ryan Reynolds: The highly anticipated film IF, starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by John Krasinski, has had an impressive start at the North American box office. Released on May 17, this live-action animated fantasy comedy earned a robust $10.3 million on its opening day, setting a new record for the biggest Friday for an original PG-rated live-action animated film in the post-Covid era.
IF tells the heartfelt story of a young girl named Bea, who moves in with her grandmother in New York City while her father awaits heart surgery in the hospital where her mother passed away from cancer. Bea soon discovers she has the unique ability to see everyone’s imaginary friends, leading to a whimsical and touching adventure.
How Ryan Reynolds’ ‘IF’ Became a Box Office Sensation Overnight
According to trade analyst Luiz Fernando, IF‘s opening day performance exceeded expectations, especially considering its $1.8 million collections from Thursday previews. This positive momentum is largely attributed to strong word of mouth, which bodes well for the film’s continued success over its opening weekend and beyond.
To put this achievement in perspective, IF‘s $10.3 million Friday earnings are comparable to Ryan Reynolds’s previous hit, Free Guy, which earned $10.4 million on its release day in 2021. Free Guy went on to gross $121.6 million in North America and $323.47 million worldwide. In contrast, IF has already garnered $3.7 million from overseas markets, bringing its global total to $14 million.
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Despite its considerable $110 million production budget, IF is poised for a strong opening weekend, with projections estimating between $27 million and $32 million in US box office receipts. This achievement places it among the top performers in its genre, alongside films like Space Jam: A New Legacy ($13.1 million), Wonka ($14.4 million), Sonic the Hedgehog ($20.9 million), and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ($26.4 million).
As IF continues to capture audiences with its enchanting storyline and charming performances, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of original live-action animated films. For more updates on IF and the latest Hollywood news, stay tuned to Peddler Media.
