The summer movie season is just around the corner, with X-Men Origins: Wolverine opening this Friday and Star Trek hitting theaters next week. But which of these heavily anticipated tentpoles will see more green at the box office? Two weeks ago, everyone’s money would have been on Wolverine. Tracking data projected that the Hugh Jackman movie would open to around $100 million, while Star Trek was eyeing just half that, due to an apparent lack of interest from teens and females. But the reviews are starting to trickle in, and so far the notices haven’t been too encouraging for Wolverine, leading me to believe that it could quickly fizzle after everyone sees it this weekend. Star Trek, on the other hand, seems to be building momentum — the sci-fi reboot hasn’t received a single negative review so far.
Which is why I’m starting to think that Star Trek could be the bigger hit. To me, Wolverine projects a recycled vibe, as if the previous X-Men movies were plopped in a blender and then left out for too long. I say this as someone who enjoyed all three of the previous entries; in particular, X2: X-Men United surprised me with its thoughtful parallels to social minorities. But judging from the advertisements and initial buzz, I fear that Wolverine will have no new tricks up its sleeve. Star Trek, by comparison, seems composed of brand-new parts, and I’m intrigued that it’s shaping up to be such a departure from the previous Trek model. Thus, even if Wolverine scores the larger opening, Star Trek’s aura of novelty is why I’m predicting it will ultimately equal (if not surpass) that hairy mutant’s tally.
Hmm, PopWatchers? Could Star Trek confound the box office trackers and overtake Wolverine? Which movie are you more excited to see? Or is there another summer blockbuster that’ll make mincemeat out of both Wolverine and Star Trek? Michael Bay, you’re not allowed to answer that question.
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Ugh, I’m a teenage female, and I would rather see Star Trek.
Chris Pine is enough. And Hugh Jackman completely ripped the “Sexiest Man” title from Jon Hamm.
Star Trek by far
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/29/american-idol-results-matt-giraud-sent-home-shocking-final-3/
While I really liked the X-Men movies, I can not wait for Star Trek! Wolverine can wait till DVD or the $1 theater.
Money-wise, I think Wolverine has the edge, as it connects more readily to a more recent franchise. Star Trek, being a reboot of a much older, longer-dormant franchise, will probably perform more like an original/one-off than a sequel. But my personal interest does and always has trended toward Star Trek. I’ve never been a fan of Trek and only have a cursory knowledge of the mythology, but I trust Abrams at the helm. That’s where I land in all this.
24 year old male – gonna see Wolverine this weekend, but cant wait for Star Trek!! JJ Abrams all the way!
well i’m seeing both, so MY money certainly won’t be determining what makes more. as to what will end up making more in it’s entire run, we really have no idea. the verdict will be out in june.
Star Trek is for intelligent people. Wolverine is for morons. So Wolverine will win.
Dr. Zaius: i’m WITH you on the Chris Pine thing. but you don’t have to diss Hugh like that, Jon’s gonna get the title. he IS still pretty new to teh scene right now. also, it’s the People editors’ pick, so Hugh didn’t personally have anything to do with it.
I’m going to see both but I’m more excited about Star Trek.
I’m seeing both but my money’s on Trek. Abrams is my Yoda, baby.
star trek will gross more than people think it will opening weekend and get more money overall.
Wolverine is for comic book fans, who overlap into the realm of Star Trek fans. none of them are “morons” based on their interests/movie preference. so stop trying to marginalize and denigrate people and step down off that high horse.
34-year-old female here, and I’m not at all surprised that Hollywood is underestimating my demographic’s interest in Star Trek. I grew up on the original in syndication and then on ST:TNG. I can’t *wait* for the reboot…in fact, I’ve had a babysitter lined up for a month!
I’m definitely more excited for Star Trek! And I’m 19 years old so I think the movie will get more young people than they think. I’m not even planning on seeing Wolverine.
Wolverine is going to bomb, probably just break even. Although the box office numbers for the older Trek movies sucked, this one will do well here since its a ‘beginning’ film.