That would be a strong start for the film, which stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler and is directed by Steven Spielberg.
Typically the box office wins go to big brands like Harry Potter and Marvel, rather than big names in the cast and crew.
Spielberg is arguably the most famous director in the history of cinema, credited with creating the very concept of the blockbuster itself with 1975’s “Jaws.” Spielberg’s films — which include such megahits as “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “E.T.
Is his name alone enough to get people to buy a ticket? “West Side Story,” as well as theaters, could certainly benefit from that name recognition this weekend.
The film holds a 96% review score on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics even saying the new film is better than the original.
“It is based on one of the greatest of Broadway musicals, with immortal songs, created by the talents of Bernstein & Sondheim, titans of the form,” Kuntz said.