Big Hero 6 Beats Out Interstellar in Early Holiday Season Face-Off

For the first time since June when Sony’s 22 Jump Street took on DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon 2, two movies were released with enough demand so that both opened with more than $50 million (based on estimates). Like that weekend, one movie was expected to open better than the other but ended up settling for second place; in this case, it was the animated movie that won the first weekend of the holiday movie season.

Walt Disney Studios Animation opened their latest animated movie, the superhero action-adventure Big Hero 6, in 3,761 theaters on Thursday night. After grossing an estimated $15.8 million on Friday, it had a strong Saturday bump from family business to bring its weekend total to an estimated $56.2 million. With families making up 72% of its business, split evenly between male and female, and an “A” CinemaScore, the movie should continue to do well between now and Thanksgiving. Big Hero 6 added another $7.6 million in 17 international markets in its third weekend overseas bringing its total outside North America to $23 million.

Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s anticipated outer space epic Interstellar (Paramount), starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine and more, opened on Wednesday in select theaters that had film projection capabilities including 70mm IMAX (249 theaters total) where it grossed $2.1 million in advance of its nationwide expansion Thursday night. It ended up with an estimated $50 million over the weekend in 3,561 theaters, averaging $14 thousand per location compared to Big Hero 6‘s $15 thousand. (What’s ironic about the weekend’s hotly-contested box office battle is that both movies had a reported production budget of $165 million.)

Interstellar added another $80 million this weekend in the international territories where it opened, including Korea with $14.1 million on 1,310 screens, the UK with $8.4 million on 1,298 screens, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and more. It has grossed $132.2 million globally in its opening weekend with key markets like China and Japan still to come.

Nolan’s latest was boosted by his continued relationship with IMAX, grossing $20.6 million in its global IMAX release, beating the previous November IMAX opening record set by last year’s The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. $13.4 million of its domestic gross can be credited to the 368 domestic IMAX screens which saw sold out showings all weekend. With a per-screen average of over $36,000, IMAX engagements accounted for 19 of the top 20 showings in North America. Internationally, Interstellar grossed $7.2 million on 206 IMAX screens, again with an impressive per-theater average of $35,000 per screen with some territories like Australia and Korea doing as much as $76 thousand per screen.

Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 Blu-ray
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" — YOKAI is the masked man behind the terrible tragedy that strikes San Fransokyo, turning Hiro’s world upside down. As a result, Hiro transforms a group of nerds into a team of high-tech crime fighters—“Big Hero 6”—with one mission: Track down Yokai and bring him to justice. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" – The “Big Hero 6” character lineup pictures (L-R): Wasabi, Go Go Tomago, Honey Lemon, Fred, Hiro Hamada, Baymax, Aunt Cass, Tadashi Hamada, Professor Robert Callaghan and Yokai. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" – (Progression Image 1 of 3) Filmmakers combed the streets of San Francisco to find this architectural gem that served as the inspiration for Aunt Cass's Cafe. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" – (Progression Image 2 of 3) Artists transformed the real-life inspiration to create concept art for the design of Aunt Cass's Cafe. Drawing by Scott Watanabe. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Bighero6day0006
Bighero6day0007
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6” – The production team took a research trip to Carnegie Mellon University where they learned about soft robotics, the cutting-edge technology that helped inspire Baymax’s inflatable, vinyl, truly huggable design. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6” – The production team took a research trip to Carnegie Mellon University where they learned about soft robotics, the cutting-edge technology that helped inspire Baymax’s inflatable, vinyl, truly huggable design. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" – The production design team was impressed by the attention to detail that was given to even the most common objects in Tokyo, and was inspired to include the design aesthetic in the landscape of San Fransokyo. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" – Animators use character model sheets like this one of Hiro Hamada as a guideline that showcases the character’s range of facial expression. Drawings by Jin Kim. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" – Visual development artist Lorelay Bove created character lineup concept art to showcase the “Big Hero 6” team. Pictured (L-R): Fred, Honey Lemon, Wasabi, Go Go Tomago, Hiro Hamada & Baymax. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" – Visual development artist Lorelay Bove created character lineup concept art to showcase the “Big Hero 6” team. Pictured (L-R): Wasabi, Go Go Tomago, Honey Lemon, Fred, Hiro Hamada & Baymax. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Pictured (L-R): Michael Franceschi (Animation Supervisor), Zach Parrish (Head of Animation), Nathan Engelhardt (Animation Supervisor). Photo by: Patrick Wymore. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Pictured (L-R): Shiyoon Kim (Character Stylist), Lorelay Bove (Visual Development Artist), Jin Kim (Character Design Supervisor), Paul Felix (Production Designer). Photo by: Patrick Wymore. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Pictured (L-R): Michael Franceschi (Animation Supervisor), Zach Parrish (Head of Animation), Nathan Engelhardt (Animation Supervisor). Photo by: Patrick Wymore. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Pictured (L-R): Kyle Odermatt (VFX Supervisor), Michael Kaschalk (Head of Effects), Nathan Curtis (Effects Production Supervisor). Photo by: Patrick Wymore. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Pictured (L-R): Mark Henn (Animator), Michael Francheschi (Animation Supervisor), Nathan Engelhardt (Animation Supervisor), Zach Parrish (Head of Animation). Photo by: Patrick Wymore. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Pictured (L-R): Jin Kim (Character Design Supervisor), Lorelay Bove (Visual Development Artist), Shiyoon Kim (Character Stylist), Paul Felix (Production Designer). Photo by: Patrick Wymore. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Pictured (L-R): Lorelay Bove (Visual Development Artist), Shiyoon Kim (Character Stylist), Paul Felix (Production Designer). Photo by: Patrick Wymore. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Robotics prodigy HIRO HAMADA has the mind of a genius—and the heart of a 14-year-old: his state-of-the-art battle-bots dominate the underground bot fights held in the dark corners of San Fransokyo. Fortunately, big brother Tadashi redirects Hiro’s brilliance, inspiring him to put his brain to the test in a quest to gain admission to the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. When a tragic event changes everything, Hiro turns to a robot named Baymax, and they form an unbreakable bond—and two-sixths of a band of high-tech heroes on a very important mission. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" BAYMAX cares. That’s what he was designed to do. The plus-sized inflatable robot’s job title is technically Healthcare Companion: With a simple scan, Baymax can detect vital stats, and, given a patient’s level of pain, can treat nearly any ailment. Conceived and built by Tadashi Hamada, Baymax just might revolutionize the healthcare industry. But to the inventor’s kid brother Hiro, the nurturing, guileless bot turns out to be more than what he was built for—he’s a hero, and quite possibly Hiro’s closest friend. And after some deft reprogramming that includes a rocket fist, super strength and rocket thrusters that allow him to fly, Baymax becomes one of the “Big Hero 6.” ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Fanboy FRED comes off like a laid-back dude with no direction. But this sign-twirling, monster-loving, comic-book aficionado is sure to go places—when he’s good and ready. For example, Fred doesn’t hesitate to join “Big Hero 6,” and he has a lot of ideas for his super-hero skillset, too. His ferocious, fire-breathing alter ego comes complete with claws, integrated communications and a super bounce. But his sign-spinning may still come in handy. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" Aptly named GO GO TOMAGO knows what it takes to be fast. She’s tough, athletic and loyal to the bone, but not much of a conversationalist. Popping bubble gum and delivering well-placed sarcasm are totally her speed. The daredevil adrenaline junkie is at her best on wheels, and when Go Go joins forces with “Big Hero 6,” she rolls like never before, using maglev discs as wheels, shields and throwing weapons. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" WASABI is committed to precision. He’s super smart and just a touch neurotic, but the big and burly neatnik can’t help but join the cause when Hiro needs him most. As part of “Big Hero 6,” Wasabi amplifies his martial arts skills with jaw-dropping plasma blade weaponry. Sharp doesn’t even begin to describe this guy. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" It’s elemental when it comes to chemistry whiz HONEY LEMON. Don’t let her glasses and funky fashion fool you: Honey may be as sweet as her namesake, but she has a fire in her belly and a can-do attitude that make her pretty much unstoppable. Her knowledge of alchemy proves powerful, too, when the effusive brainiac becomes part of the “Big Hero 6” and creates clever concoctions that when thrown, can get her team out of nearly any jam. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
10355661_283551521817065_968734259613847030_o
BIGH6_003C_G_ENG AU_68.5x101.5.indd

P1.43 (BIGH6_003C_G - International Payoff (Hiro and Baymax Face Forward) [ONLINE DEBUT JUNE 5 9AM PST])
C69901cdc4c466060818b4167eaa8bff82fcd71f
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6"MEET BAYMAX — A robot named Baymax befriends robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, and together—along with an unlikely band of high-tech heroes—they race to solve a mystery unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo. "Big Hero 6" is in theaters Nov. 7, 2014. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" TRANSFORMING BAYMAX — When he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada transforms his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—into a high-tech hero in the action-packed comedy-adventure "Big Hero 6"--in theaters Nov. 7, 2014. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
BIG HERO 6

"BIG HERO 6" HIGH-TECH HERO — Hiro Hamada transforms his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—into a high-tech hero in the action-packed comedy-adventure "Big Hero 6"--in theaters Nov. 7, 2014. ©2014 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Hr_big_hero_6_4
Hr_big_hero_6_2
Hr_big_hero_6_1

Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 Blu-ray

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

Bighero6day0006

Bighero6day0007

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

10355661_283551521817065_968734259613847030_o

BIGH6_003C_G_ENG AU_68.5x101.5.indd

C69901cdc4c466060818b4167eaa8bff82fcd71f

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6

BIG HERO 6