It’s a win, and a bit of a loss for Pixar, as the estimated $53 million opening weekend (according to BoxOfficeMojo) was enough for a first place finish, but nowhere near worthy of the top openings in Pixar history.
In fact, so long as the number holds, Cars 3 will open to a lower number than the original Cars ($60M) and even Cars 2 ($66M), a sequel many say is inferior to Cars 3 on numerous levels.
There are a number of interesting plotlines developing at the box office, starting with Cars 3 pushing aside the competition and managing to cross the finish line (I’m sorry… too easy) ahead of Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman and four other newcomers in local multiplexes.