HitFix is setting Eclipse as it’s #3 most anticipated movie of the summer, behind Toy Story 3, opening June 18 and Iron Man 2, opening May 7.

The $330 million projected box office they quote must be only domestic sales. New Moon brought in $413.1 million, foreign sales, $296 million domestic, with a worldwide total of $710 million and you would Eclipse to be somewhat similar, although Box Office Mojo says it is not expected to be as big. (Reason?  3rd film in a franchise.) Judging from the trailer and our reaction, however, I have a feeling Eclipse might surprise them. (Twilight’s  worldwide total was $385 million.)

3. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Opening Day: June 30

Pros: Arguably the most passionate franchise fanbase of this era and the most action packed of all the films which means guys might not have to be dragged by their significant others after being bored through “New Moon.”  “Eclipse” is also the first installment in IMAX (higher ticket prices factor in) and to be released in the teen-friendly summer season.
Cons: The “backlash” is over, but are the fans still as excited as they were for the first two films?

Projected Box Office: $330 million
Lowdown: $300 million is guaranteed, but it “should” do much more than that

Related posts:

1. Twilight Box Office Breaks 300 Million Mark!
2. Box Office Totals From Box Office Mojo
3. “Eclipse” closing in on half a BILLION dollars at the box office
4. Eclipse Weekend Totals to Hit Over $181 Million
5. Remember Me Passes $28 Million at Box Office Worldwide

“are the fans still as excited”? This is the best CON they can come up with? They underestimated twilighters big time. Neverthless, Summit’s own interpretation of the 3rd installment could influence how many times we will watch it in the theater.

Pardon me? “$413.1 million domestic”? New Moon didn’t breach the 300 mark domestically; either your source is wrong or that’s a typo. In any case, I have my doubts. Slade is trying to reel in male fans, but he may push away some of the romance-fanatics by overdoing the action. I envision 30 Days of Night meets soap opera when I think of the Eclipse trailer. Sorry, but the men might not be gullible enough to give the series a third chance–and the fact that this sequel was printed and pressed so quickly implies a lack of concern for quality.

I apologize if my comment insults any fans; truth is, I’m all for them. I do think the entertainment industry should spend a little more care and money on the franchise–the writing, the acting, the pacing are all skewered, and heaven forbid Summit spends some of that box office cash for vast improvements! Fans deserve better.

$413.1 million, foreign sales, $296 million domestic, with a worldwide total of $710 million