Universal Plans to Rebound After Cats, Dr. Doolittle Box Office Disasters

Universal had a rough start to the new year and a disappointing 2019. The studio has been trying its hardest to beat Disney at everything, including the box office. The studio claims it doesn’t need the use of superheroes to do it. But maybe it could use some magic.

As reported by Observer, it’s the first time that the studio has dropped out of the top three movie studios since 2016. Cats became an internet joke rather than a box office hit. The movie reportedly lost $100 million and now this weekend’s Dolittle, which stars Robert Downey Jr., is experiencing a similar backlash.

But Universal is already whipping those two movies from their memory. They want us to remember them as the most ambitious and creative movie studio in all of Hollywood. They’re known for popular franchises such as Fast & Furious and Jurassic World. The studio has relied on talent to achieve box office success and that hasn’t worked as of late. However, it still has an impressive release schedule.

Daniel Craig’s final film as James Bond in No Time to Die is slated for release in April. The 25th 007 film is guaranteed to become a box office success. Spectre and Skyfall respectively earned $680 million and $804 million worldwide. A month later, Fast & Furious 9 will speed its way into theaters. Even though Dwayne Johnson won’t be the star of this installment, this film is expected to hit the $1 billion mark worldwide at the box office.

Then, Universal will be making decent money from Minions: The Rise of Guru, which has become a family-friendly hit along with the Despicable Me movies. It has earned the studio an easy $1 billion at the box office. The spring and summer months should be positive for the studio.

Maybe the studio should focus on the sleeper hit known as 1917. The film has been praised by critics and fans alike. It could help Universal rebound from Cats and Dolittle. The World War 1 drama is expected to make $20 million during its opening weekend. While it’s not a huge number, it could help the studio rebound from its previous releases. According to Shawn Robbins, chief analyst, 1917 could help Universal movie beyond that embarrassment, according to Fox2Now.

“I think it has a real shot at being No. 1 this weekend,” Robbins said in an interview with CNN Business. “We’re coming out of the post-holiday hangover and people, especially adults, are looking for a serious movie. They’ve gotten their fill of family-friendly content over the holidays and may now be looking for something more substantial.”

Even though the film hasn’t opened in many theaters, it’s already doing well. 1917 tells the story of two British soldiers, played by Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay, who are trying to deliver an important message that could impact their fellow soldiers. The film also includes the likes of Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film could give Universal the boost it needs as it moves into next month’s Academy Awards, claims Robbins.

What are your thoughts? Do you believe that Universal can rebound from Cats and Dolittle? Sound off below in the comments section.