Variety reports that early tracking for the feature is currently sitting around $50 million, and that has a lot to do with its pedigree. "It" is one of King's most famous and most beloved novels, and the buzz around the flick has been deafening, with the trailer snagging almost 200 million views in its first 24 hours of release.
While the adaptation was initially beset by production woes (original director Cary Fukunaga abruptly departed the project due to creative differences, and the flick was briefly put on hold before a replacement was found), it quickly got back on track with director Andres Muschietti. Filmmakers have been teasing out some truly terrifying details about the flick, and fans seem eager to finally see Pennywise on the big screen (especially after the cheesy "It" TV miniseries, starring Tim Curry as the evil clown, failed to truly please King devotees).
Some insiders tell Variety that $50 million may be a bit of a high estimate for "It," with a haul in the $40 million range more likely. But the trade reports that "all signs are that 'It/ will be a major hit ... and should kick off the fall moviegoing season on a high note." King fans can raise a red balloon to that.
"It" hits theaters on September 8.
[via: Variety]