‘Oz: The Great And Powerful’ To Take In $70 Million At The Box Office

Looks like box office predictions for Oz: The Great And Powerful were right on target. Although critics are quite mixed on Sam Raimi’s Disney turn, Oz: The Great And Powerful took in a steady $23. 5 million on Friday, despite the crummy weather on the east coast. The strong Thursday midnight showings and Friday night numbers predict a number of $70 million or higher for Oz.

With these high numbers in a usually deadweight season, Oz is positioned to be the third biggest box office opening of March in cinema history. In addition it’s the biggest box office opening of 2013.

With these great and powerful box office numbers, and audiences only growing in interest, it’s safe to say Disney, along with James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, and Rachel Weisz will profit big time in making another Oz film.

One who probably won’t profit from that as earlier reported is director Sam Raimi, who looks like he’s sticking to his guns and will not direct the sequel. Speaking to Bleeding Cool, Raimi explained on the chances of him returning:

“I haven’t planned on directing the sequel. I did leave some loose ends for another director if they want to make the picture. I tried to make it a complete ending, so that the audience would be fulfilled, but I also let Evanora and Theodora get away.”

It’s a great feat for the film that isn’t quite in a quarter that brings out big box office hits, but perhaps that was something that ultimately worked for Disney’s advantage. Oz: The Great And Powerful, which shot in Detroit on a custom built sound stage, cost $200 million dollars to make, and a big chunk of change was additionally spent on the marketing for the film. There’s no doubt that Disney will break even and will gain even more internationally.

Perhaps Disney has really learned a lesson or two about creating powerfully accessible films.

Will you be seeing Oz: The Great And Powerful?