News
Despite February Idle, ‘Birds of Prey’ Gunning For DC’s Box Office Hit
February was once considered a box office dead zone. Conventional wisdom mandated that studios release all their tentpoles during the summer or around the holidays to sell tickets. But commercial hits like 2015’s “Fifty Shades of Grey,” 2016’s “Deadpool” and 2018’s “Black Panther” helped buck that notion over the years and encouraged studios to take chances in months far removed from popcorn season and Christmas.
With “Birds of Prey,” a comic-book spinoff of 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” Warner Bros. will bank on audiences’ appetite for Gotham City baddies to continue that trend. “Birds of Prey” isn’t expected to debut to numbers near February record-holders like “Black Panther” ($202 million), “Deadpool” ($132 million) or “Fifty Shades of Grey” ($85 million) when it launches this weekend, but strong word of mouth could help it thrive over coming weeks.
“Birds of Prey” is on pace to earn $50 million to $55 million when it touches down in 4,200 theaters. Warner Bros. is hedging expectations, projecting an opening closer to $45 million, since an antihero ensemble filled with mostly unknown characters makes it something of a gamble. But even those numbers would be a solid start. The film cost $80 million to make, a fraction of what studios typically spend on superhero movies.
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“It wasn’t until the 2010s that studios seemed more open to commit blockbuster films to the month that has, over the years, boasted a truly diverse array of films from every genre,” said Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst with Comscore. “Warner Bros. will go all in on ‘Birds Of Prey,’ looking to ignite another February blockbuster spark at the box office.”
Four years after Margot Robbie’s delightfully deranged character in “Suicide Squad” inspired Halloween costumes for decades to come, her villainous vigilante returns to the spotlight in “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).” After parting way with her former paramour, the Joker (played in this universe by Jared Leto), Harley Quinn teams up with a girl gang — Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and Gotham detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) — to save a young girl from Gotham’s crime lord Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). “Birds of Prey” is the eighth title in the DC Extended Universe and the franchise’s first to land an R-rating, making it a departure of sorts from more family-friendly options like “Aquaman” and “Shazam.”
“Birds of Prey” — directed by Cathy Yan and written by Christina Hodson — is the only new wide release in theaters this weekend, so it won’t have much competition among ticket buyers. Another factor working in its favor: it’s been weeks since a studio has released a major movie and the box office is ripe for a hit.
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After the undisputed financial successes of “Wonder Woman” ($821 million), “Aquaman” ($1.14 billion) and “Joker” ($1.07 billion), Warner Bros.’ DC Extended Universe has been on a critical and commercial upswing. “Shazam” brought back $364 million last March, making it a modest hit for the studio. Those films were all well received, a reception that did not greet “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” or “Justice League.” While those movies sold tickets, it was hardly at a volume that justified their outsized budgets ranging between $250 million and $300 million. In attempting to carve out its own identity in the superhero space, Warner Bros. scaled back budgets when needed and steered away from the self-serious tone that polarized critics and audiences.
“Birds of Prey” comes at a crucial time for the studio. Outside of its comic-book world, Warner Bros. had an unwieldy 2019 at the box office as mid-budget movies like “The Goldfinch” and “Doctor Sleep” flopped. But its upcoming releases — including “Wonder Woman 1984,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “In the Heights” and Christopher Nolan’s espionage thriller “Tenet” — have box office watchers optimistic about a reversal of fortunes.
Nollywood actress Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello has expressed her support for former Queen Naomi Silekunola, who is facing difficulties following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organized in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of young lives
A top Nollywood actress and movie producer, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, has joined numerous well-wishers who have expressed their support for former queen of Ife Kingdom, Naomi Silekunola, who is currently facing challenges following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organised in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of children’s lives.
The beautiful thespian, popularly called Ajitannawo, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, sent a message of encouragement, urging Queen Naomi to stay strong.
In her heartfelt message, Arewa Amos-Bello expressed sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for Queen Naomi’s courage and resilience in the face of the tragedy.
“Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you. And He will never forsake you my Queen Silekunola. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time of yours. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time,” Arewa Bukky wrote, while she offered her sincere condolences to families and parents of the victims.
Arewa Amos-Bello stated that she feels every bit of what Queen Naomi feels at the moment because she is also a philanthropist who understands that the former Ife Queen did what she did with good intentions.
She added, “I know she meant well because I’m also into charity. The Ibadan event was not her first nor was it the second. We can only pray that God help her and console the victims.”
“I want to assure her of my valid support; she is not alone. Her struggles are valid and real, and in acknowledging this, she finds our solidarity. When things like this happen, we may feel ashamed and find it hard to cope, yet even in such a dark time as this, we share our burdens, support one another, and find strength in our unity. She must not give up on her goal and she is encouraged to continue her philanthropic endeavours.”
South African TikTok star Beandri Booysen has passed away at the age of 19 following a valiant battle with progeria, a rare genetic disorder that caused her to age rapidly—eight years for every year of her life.
Her mother, Bea Booysen, announced the tragic news in a heartfelt post within a Facebook group dedicated to Beandri’s journey. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the grieving mother shared.
Beandri, known for her uplifting presence and brave attitude, touched the hearts of many across the world. Her legacy as an inspiration to others facing adversity lives on, as she remains an unforgettable figure in the South African social media scene.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the bereaved parent wrote.
Nigerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian journalist Stephanie Busari celebrates 25 years in journalism by launching the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy, a pan-African initiative aimed at nurturing 100,000 storytellers over the next decade.
The academy, backed by a $100 million fund, will provide training, mentorship, and resources to aspiring journalists, filmmakers, and creators across Africa.
Busari, an Emmy, Peabody, and Gracie award-winning journalist, used the occasion to not only celebrate her achievements but also unveil her vision for the future of African storytelling.
“The Academy will equip a new generation of storytellers with the tools to share their truth,” Busari stated. “If we are to shift global perceptions and unlock Africa’s full potential, we must invest in the people who will shape how the world sees us.”
The academy is just one part of Busari’s broader vision. She also launched SBB Media, a consultancy focused on taking African narratives global.
SBB Media will offer a range of services, from documentary filmmaking and media training to public speaking coaching and strategic communications.
The launch event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, drew a crowd of dignitaries, media personalities, and supporters.
Tributes poured in from prominent figures such as Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the first female President of Mauritius, and Richard Quest, a renowned anchor at CNN.
Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, praised Busari’s career as a testament to the power of storytelling, while Olori Atuwatse III, a Nigerian royal, highlighted the cultural significance of Busari’s work.
The launch of the Stephanie Busari Storytelling Academy and SBB Media marks a new chapter in Busari’s career and a significant development for African storytelling.
By empowering a new generation of storytellers and ensuring their voices reach a global audience, Busari is committed to reshaping the narrative around Africa.
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