The new “Mean Girls” is a hit.
Tina Fey’s musical version of her 2004 movie hits $50 million today after 10 days in theaters.
The original comedy came out in 2004. On its 10th day, the first film was at $42 million. So the new one is ahead by 17%.
On the other hand, that $42 million would be worth $68 million today. So let’s say the new movie is slightly ahead. At least, there’s a lot of enthusiasm for it.
The new movie also based on Fey’s Broadway musical, which was a solid hit for almost two years, from 2018-2020.
That’s a lot better than a new release called “I.S.S.” from Bleecker Street. I had no idea until last night this title existed. It made just $3 million over the weekend. Even if it only cost $13 million, the future is very cloudy for whatever this movie is. Bleecker Street has had a lot of trouble recently. This is the third movie in a row they’ve released into the abyss including Meg Ryan’s comedy, “What Happens Later.”
But cheers to Tina Fey, who does seem to be on the fast track to be Lorne Michaels’ successor as producer of “Saturday Night Live.” That would be so meta, since she produced and wrote “30 Rock,” which was a parody of “SNL.” If she does get the job, she should put Amy Poehler on every week, and Kate McKinnon on once a month.
PS The star of “Mean Girls” — Renee Rapp — was featured on “SNL” last night as musical guest.
