Summer arrived with a jolt at the box office, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 appears to have seized the moment with a projected $75 million to $80 million U.S. opening.
The early numbers suggest a strong start not just for one sequel, but for the broader theatrical market. Reports indicate Michael also delivered a major win, posting about $51 million with what sources describe as an excellent hold of 48%. Together, the two films gave exhibitors the kind of one-two punch that can define the mood of an entire season.
Key Facts
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 is projected to open between $75 million and $80 million in the U.S.
- Michael is estimated at roughly $51 million for the weekend.
- Reports describe Michael as holding with a 48% decline.
- The weekend is tracking ahead of the same frame a year ago.
That matters because summer does not just depend on one breakout title. It depends on depth, on holdovers that keep drawing crowds while new releases create urgency. This weekend appears to offer both. A buzzy fashion-world sequel pulled in fresh demand, while a music-driven release showed it could keep momentum beyond opening weekend.
The early frame points to a simple truth: audiences still show up when studios give them movies that feel like events.
The signal from this weekend also cuts through a larger industry debate. Theatrical recovery has often looked uneven, with big highs followed by flat stretches. But this frame, according to the reported estimates, looks sturdier. It suggests that recognizable brands and strong audience interest can still lift the market at the start of summer, especially when more than one title connects at once.
Now the focus shifts to staying power. Final weekend numbers will sharpen the picture, and the next wave of releases will test whether this is a one-week spike or the beginning of a sustained run. Either way, the stakes are clear: if these estimates hold, studios and theater owners just got an early sign that summer moviegoing still has real heat.