THE HOUSE

The spec script for The House was in a bidding war between studios in February 2015 and Warner Bros’ New Line division landed the project, with a $40 million production commitment.  “Ferrell plays a father who, along with his wife, blows their daughter’s college fund and have to make it back by illegally running a casino out of their home.”  How does this sub-sitcom nonsense land in bidding wars for millions and attract talent that should know better?  Warner Bros and Village Roadshow co-financed.

WB first dated this high concept comedy for June 2nd and then in March 2016 shifted it to June 30th.  The House received predictably terrible reviews and bowed against Despicable Me 3 and Baby Driver.  WB did invest in a typically expensive advertising campaign and spent $17.89 million (as per iSpotTV) on television ads going into release, plus a few million after the opening.  With other traditional marketing and distribution expenses, the domestic P&A is at least $30 million.   The House was tracking for a mid-teens opening and came in way below expectations with a poor $8,724,795 — becoming Will Ferrell’s worst wide opening in his career.  His first starring vehicle A Night at the Roxbury (1998) opened with $9,604,791 which was previously his lowest opener.  The House placed #6 for the weekend led by Despicable Me 3.  The second frame numbers declined 44.8% to $4,815,000.  More as the domestic run continues…

The House is currently in 25 offshore markets and has pulled in an underwhelming $5.4 million.  Remaining markets open through the fall.  More as those numbers come in…