Martin Scorsese’s Western criminal drama Killers of the Flower Moon began its North American theatrical run on Thursday with $2.6 million in previews. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour dominated the day with $5.9 million and is expected to cross the $100 million mark on Friday.
Scorsese reunites with two of his go-to actors in the Apple Original film: Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
Based on David Grann’s novel about the 1920s murders of Osage Nation tribe members in Oklahoma after oil was discovered on their land, the film also features Lily Gladstone.
This weekend is anticipated to belong to Swift and AMC Theatres’ Eras Tour, which debuted with a record-breaking $92.8 million in North America and $123.5 million worldwide last weekend.
Nevertheless, the competition between the two films may be more intense than expected. Even though many box office analysts anticipate $30 million to $35 million for Eras, concert films are prone to sudden declines in popularity.
It is therefore not inconceivable that the film earns less than $25 million. This weekend, Flower Moon will replace the Imax and Dolby Cinema screens where the film is currently playing.
Apple and distribution partner Paramount are aiming for a domestic debut of at least $20 million, despite projections from some tracking services that it will gross more than $25 million. Flower Moon’s performance in the subsequent weeks as award season progresses may be more important than its opening weekend gross.