New Releases in the UK and Ireland
The animated film Smurf from Paramount is opening in 596 locations in the UK and Ireland this week. This film marks the beginning of the Blue Creature Universe, following the last Smurf film, Smurfs: The Lost Village, which was released in 2017 and opened with £1.4 million, ending with £6.1 million. Paramount aims to reverse the declining returns of the franchise, starting with the first film, The Smurfs, which opened with £3.8 million and ended with £17.4 million in 2011.
Smurf Cast and Plot
The new Smurf film features a star-studded cast, including Rihanna as Smurfette, John Goodman as Papa Smurf, James Corden as "No Name" Smurf, and Nick Offerman as Ken (also a Smurf). The musical film follows the Smurfs as they try to save Papa Smurf from Gargamel’s brother and nephew, Razamel.
Other New Releases
Another franchise reboot, the horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer, is opening in 502 cinemas via Sony. The film is directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and stars Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, and Jonah Hauer-King. In comparison, the horror film Scream opened with £2.5 million from 622 locations in 2022, while the sequel Scream VI opened with £2.4 million from 624 locations a year later.
Comedy and Drama Releases
In addition to Smurf, Paramount is also distributing the comedy film Friendship, which will play on 161 sites. The film, directed by Andrew DeYoung, stars Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kata Mara, and Jack Dylan Grazer. Polly Steele’s romantic drama Four Letters of Love is opening at 145 locations through Vertigo. The film tells the story of two people who are meant to fall in love, but fate keeps interrupting their paths.
Art House and Independent Releases
Mubi is releasing the folk mystery film Harvest in 30 cinemas. The film, directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari, premiered in the Venice competition and played at Toronto and Mumbai. The film is produced by Joslyn Barnes and Rebecca O’Brien. This week also sees the re-release of Kubrick’s historical epic Barry Lyndon at 63 locations from Park Circus, and a new BFI release of the British comedy Human Traffic, which opened on Wednesday and will play in 72 sites over the weekend.
International and Independent Films
Punjabi comedy Sarbala Ji is opening at 65 locations through AA Films, starring Gippy Grewal and Ammy Virk. Case building comedy Bottle is starting in 11 locations via Berkshire Dreamhouse, and father-son drama Junior is opening at eight locations, distributed by Dreamz Entertainment. Experimental biopic Suzanne Cesaire’s Ballad is opening today at three locations via Band Collective. The Institute for Contemporary Art is conducting a limited release for the Portuguese romantic drama Golden Songs.
Box Office Predictions
One of the biggest competitors this week is Superhuman, which is expected to perform well at the box office, along with Jurassic World Dominion and F1.
