‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Eyes $68M

After a $60M opening for Fast X, a $110M 4-day start for The Little Mermaid, and a $80M+ debut for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Paramount will keep the summer tentpole train going with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts with an estimated $68M to $70M start in U.S. and Canada.

That's a rebound start from the past two Transformers movies: Bumblebee posted at $21.6M domestic opening in 2018, while Transformers: The Last Knight did $44.6M over a $68.4M Wednesda-Sunday frame in 2017.

We are hearing that Rise of the Beasts presales are great, and China — a prime Transformers fan territory — is seeing excellent tracking. How much does China love Transformers? Even on the low-grossing Bumblebee, the territory cleared more than $170M during its run, which bested the U.S. take of $127.1M. Last Knight cleared $228M in its China haul vs. $130.1M stateside.

We’re hearing that the film directed by franchise newcomer Steven Caple Jr., which centers on the famed robo-beast wars, is strong with dudes and younger females, with older females not too far behind. Hispanic, Latino and Black moviegoers are strong. All these indicators are great signs with Fast X and Spider-Verse soaking up tracking.

Previews for Universal's Fast X start at 2 p.m. today.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.