‘Fantastic Beasts’ spins magic, ‘Billy Lynn’s’ tanks
LOS ANGELES — Harry Potter spinoff “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” cast a spell over audiences in its debut, summoning $75 million according to studio estimates Sunday and unseating “Doctor Strange” from the top spot.
Starring Eddie Redmayne and directed by Harry Potter alum David Yates, “Fantastic Beasts,” a Warner Bros. release, cost around $180 million to produce, and is meant to kick off a five film franchise based on author and screenwriter J.K. Rowling’s creation.
It’s been scoring well with critics and audiences, who gave the film an A CinemaScore. According to the studio, 55 per cent of attendees were female and 65 per cent were over the age of 25.
“It’s a real crowd pleaser,” said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.’ president of domestic distribution. He noted that the film performed especially well in small to medium-sized towns across North America, and not just in the major markets.