Bros, a long-awaited LGBTQ studio rom-com, bombed in theaters with a reported box tally of less than $5 million.
The film’s projected box office gross of $4.8 million placed it in fourth place. It will be available on Peacock in under 45 days, where it is certain to find an audience.
Unfortunately, the film’s box office result bodes ill for the future of studio-released LGBTQ-centric films. The latest LGBTQ studio rom-com was Happiest Season in 2020. The picture also functioned as a dysfunctional family comedy set over a holiday, similar to Jenna Laurenzo’s Thanksgiving-themed indie, Lez Bomb, in 2018.
What distinguishes Bros from Happiest Season is that it does not push folks to return to the closet because it does not play into the not-out-to-family cliché.
One significant takeaway from this film: As a result of the epidemic, audiences have been educated to wait for streaming. Except for studio blockbuster tentpoles, they are not returning in greater numbers due to ticket pricing. Look at how non-IP comedies are performing, excluding films that are animated.
People are looking forward to streaming low- to mid-budget adult comedies. They are not returning to the movies in huge numbers unless the film is excellent.
The weather is one factor to consider when making weekend predictions. Hurricane Ian had an impact along the Atlantic coast as well. The rain had arrived in New York City shortly after midnight on Saturday. This is almost probably influencing what individuals do during the day.