Proving that the theatrical release is going to pay off big time for the studio, Disney’s Planes is already doing strong business, THR is reporting, and is expected to gross $30 million or more for the weekend. It may even beat Elysium–the Matt Damon actioner that was expected to lead the weekend–for the top spot when all is said and done. Planes is the first theatrical release from Disney Toon Studios in the states since Pooh’s Heffalump Movie, which saw disappointing numbers way back in 2005, but they did have box office hits before then like Return to Never Land and The Jungle Book 2, both of which grossed more than $100 million worldwide. Planes is reportedly Disney Toon Studio’s most expensive movie to date, with a budget of $50 million.
Planes already a hit; could possibly lead the weekend?