The Dark Knight, currently out in theaters across America. The second largest screening in movie history. (Photo : Warner Bros.)
The last of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy might see its early ticket sale projections slump after the Colorado theater shooting, leaving Warner Bros. to expect a strong boosts from foreign markets.
The end of the Batman franchise, under Nolan, overall is expected to earn big money as have fellow Warner Bros. franchises Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings.
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The Dark Knight Rises was projected to be this summer's biggest blockbuster, next to The Avengers, but the after the events in Colorado, the $250 million dollar film left Warner Bros. to make difficult decisions. Their forthcoming film Gangster Squad was suppose to be previewed before The Dark Knight Rises begins, but Warner Bros. decided to withdraw the Gangster trailers, which features heavy gun scenes, until further notice.
The option to possibly halt screenings of the new Batman film has even been discussed by the production company, and has put the July 25 premiere in France in doubt.
The Dark Knight Rises took in $30.6 million during its first night in screenings. The numbers made the film the second highest midnight screening ever, losing to 2011's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. The film is projected to total $198 million this weekend,
According to the Los Angeles Times, it is not uncommon for the foreign markets to perform better than the US and Canada. It's expected the film will see high ticket sales in Eastern Asia, Latin America, and Russia. Final estimates will test if the Russian numbers will be true, as The Dark Knight only grossed $8.1 million, while The Avengers took in a massive $43.5 million.
In a statement by Warner Bros., the production company will delay their announcement of weekend earnings until Monday.
"Out of respect for the victims and their families, Warner Bros. Pictures will not be reporting box office numbers for The Dark Knight Rises throughout the weekend. Box office numbers will be released on Monday."
The last of the Batman series, according to Independent Online, has been "bittersweet," said actor Christian Bale. "It never stopped giving me goose bumps to stand in that suit, because I recognize the honor of having portrayed this icon. I can't help but feel immensely proud."
Potential moviegoers have decided to boycott the film as a way to respect the victims of Friday's shooting.
READ THE REVIEW OF THE FILM HERE.
