The musical film “Mean Girls,” based on the popular 2004 film and its subsequent Broadway adaptation, made a significant impact at the box office. The film’s opening weekend saw an impressive estimated $28 million in domestic box office sales, reaching a total of $32 million over the holiday weekend. This performance not only surpassed the initial expectations but also exceeded the $24.4 million opening of the Lindsay Lohan-led original from two decades ago. The film’s success is particularly noteworthy given that Paramount had originally planned a straight-to-streaming release for this $36 million-budgeted production.
The Resilience and Appeal of Mean Girls Across Formats
The “Mean Girls” franchise continues to demonstrate its enduring appeal. Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, commented on the film’s broad appeal, noting that “Mean Girls” resonates strongly with audiences across various formats, from its original film version to the Broadway musical and the new big-screen adaptation. Tina Fey’s vision for these characters has consistently engaged audiences over the past two decades.
A Revival for Movie Musicals: Mean Girls Leads the Way
In recent years, the movie musical genre has faced challenges in attracting audiences. However, the success of “Mean Girls,” along with Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” and “The Color Purple,” indicates a renewed interest in this genre. The combination of Renee Rapp’s musical talent and the original film’s nostalgic appeal contributed significantly to the film’s success. Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com, observed that the film’s success represents a blend of nostalgia and modern elements, appealing to both original fans and new audiences.
Demographic Trends: Women and Young Adults Drive Ticket Sales
“Mean Girls” predominantly attracted a female audience, with women accounting for 75% of ticket sales. However, its appeal extended beyond the teen demographic. Steve Buck from EntTelligence highlighted that the largest portion of the opening weekend’s ticket sales came from the 26 to 35 age group, representing 34% of sales. The 18 to 25 demographic also showed strong interest, accounting for 26% of ticket sales. This data underscores the importance of targeting both Gen Z and Millennial moviegoers in the current cinematic landscape.