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With about $425 million spent (including marketing and production), a $217 million worldwide opening suggests Warner Brothers faces significant financial risks. Even optimistic projections of a $600 million gross fall short of covering costs once theater cuts, distribution fees, and other expenses are factored in.
This outcome raises alarms within the industry, especially considering the studio’s previous high-profile films that, despite slower starts, amassed substantial totals due to strong word-of-mouth and international appeal, such as Guardians of the Galaxy 3.