$3.2 million in previews signals a strong start to the weekend for Hoppers, the latest Disney Pixar release that could help the animation studio rediscover its spark.
The animal-friendly flick is hoping to end an uncharacteristically barren run for Pixar, which has struggled in the post-pandemic world of cinema.
Film News Blitz’s Dan Lawrence takes a look at Hoppers’ promising signs.
What is ‘Hoppers’ about?
Hoppers follows Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda), an animal-loving student who uses an incredible piece of technology to transfer her consciousness to a robotic beaver.
Through this technology, Mabel is able to infiltrate the animal kingdom and begin to understand it and the creatures within.
The film is co-written by Jesse Andrews (Luca, Elio) and Daniel Chong, with Chong also making his feature directorial debut.
Chong is the creator of the Cartoon Network series We Bare Bears, which is almost Hoppers’ opposite, whereby three bear brothers aim to fit into human society.
He also has a longstanding career as a storyboard artist, stretching back to Disney’s 2008 film Bolt, and continuing through the likes of Pixar’s TV movie, Toy Story That Time Forgot.
Chong has now been handed some major Pixar keys, directing the likes of Jon Hamm and Dave Franco, who enliven the cast of Hoppers.
The box office numbers look good for ‘Hoppers’
After $3.2 million in previews, Deadline reports that Hoppers is tracking for over $30 million across its three-day opening weekend in North American cinemas.
That would be the best three-day opening for a Pixar film since 2017’s Coco ($50.8 million).
It would go some way to outpacing last year’s record low opening for a Pixar film: $20.8 million for Elio.
Reviews are also looking strong for Hoppers, which currently tracks at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes from over 100 reviews.
This is again a Pixar-best effort since Coco (97%).
Could it be that the animated powerhouse has rediscovered its mojo?
It’s a massive year for Pixar in cinemas, with Toy Story 5 releasing in the summer.
If Hoppers can go on to be a continued success at the box office and with critics, it could be that this sleeping giant of animated cinema gets back on top.
Hoppers is in UK cinemas and theatres worldwide now.
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