The House
Budget: $40 million | Financed by: Warner Bros; Village Roadshow |
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Domestic Gross: Still in release | Domestic Distributor: Warner Bros (New Line) |
Overseas Gross: Still in release |
Directed by: Andrew Jay Cohen
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Starring:
Will Ferrell
Amy Poehler
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Produced by: Adam McKay
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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…