Pixar’s 'Hoppers' targets $88M worldwide debut as 'The Bride!' aims for $40M global launch

Highlights

• Pixar’s Hoppers projected to open to about $88 million worldwide
• Best start for a Pixar original since Coco
• Warner Bros.’ The Bride! targeting $38 million to $40 million global launch
• Scream 7 expected to hold strong in second weekend

Hoppers leads with strongest Pixar original launch in years

Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers is heading for an estimated $88 million worldwide debut across 41 markets, giving the studio its biggest opening for an original title since 2017’s Coco.

The animated feature is projected to collect between $36 million and $38 million domestically from about 4,000 theaters, with an additional $45 million to $50 million coming from overseas territories. Preview screenings begin Thursday afternoon, with earlier sneak showings folded into the total.

Advance ticket sales have already crossed $3 million, tracking alongside recent family titles that opened in the mid $30 million range. With a 97 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, Hoppers is also earning some of the strongest reviews for a Pixar original in nearly a decade.

The studio has faced uneven results with recent original films, including Onward, Elemental and Elio, making this weekend a significant test of audience appetite beyond established franchises.

International rollout key to momentum

International markets account for the majority of the projected opening. Hoppers launches widely across Europe and Latin America, where family animation traditionally performs well. Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Mexico are expected to be among its stronger territories.

China will follow later in March, with Australia timed to school holidays. Japan is not part of the initial rollout due to local competition.

The film shares premium large format screens with Warner Bros.’ gothic drama The Bride!.

The Bride! positions for awards corridor

Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Bride! is forecast to open between $16 million and $18 million domestically, with about $22 million from international markets for a global start in the $38 million to $40 million range.

The $80 million production stars Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Penelope Cruz, Peter Sarsgaard and Jake Gyllenhaal. The film was originally scheduled for release in October before being repositioned closer to awards season. Reviews are still pending as screenings continue.

Horror holds as Scream 7 drops in week two

Paramount and Spyglass Media Group’s Scream 7 is expected to decline roughly 60 percent in its second weekend, adding about $25 million domestically. The sequel has already surpassed $70 million in North America following a franchise record opening.

With family animation, prestige drama and horror all competing for attention, the weekend box office will hinge on whether Hoppers can translate strong reviews into sustained global momentum.