Disclosure Day could be a major win for original movies at the box office

Hollywood has been using well-known brands for years to entice viewers to go to the movies. That's why Disclosure Day is so fascinating. It is an original alien film, not a sequel, remake, or continuation of any of Steven Spielberg's sci-fi epics.

The Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment-produced movie grossed $6.5 million during North American previews and reached a combined $12.5 million in Thursday and Wednesday international preview sales. The figure has been compared to those of other recent genre releases like Alien: Romulus and Nope and sits right between them. A $40 million opening weekend would be a solid debut for a non-franchise film.

In an era where people tend to complain about the same types of themes and plots, Disclosure Day brings something unique: the unknown. If the movie attracts high attendance numbers, it may prove that people still want to take chances on new ideas if they feel those ideas serve a purpose.

One of its attractions is its mystery. Film buffs know that Spielberg brings plenty of visual spectacle, but they are not sure where the story will go. That's hard to predict, and in a time when there are always spoilers and a roadmap for every franchise, that may actually be the film's best-selling point.

Spielberg is selling an event with Disclosure Day

There are reasons why Disclosure Day has become so popular: it's a classic Hollywood event movie. With a giant sci-fi concept, a star-studded cast, and a blockbuster filmmaker leading the way, it has a lot to offer audiences in a genre where being original is becoming a rare commodity.

The movie does not rely on a franchise as the foundation of its success, and fans do not need to study years of mythology to enjoy it. That accessibility, combined with its massive marketing campaign, makes Disclosure Day a genuine summer blockbuster rather than a niche original project.

The success of the film may give studios greater confidence to invest in more original event movies. That would provide viewers with more options and provide new movie makers to make new film universes rather than be forced to reuse a franchise.

A strong opening could send a message

The most important thing about Disclosure Day may not be its opening weekend gross, but what it represents. The movie is an experiment to see if it is possible to put together a big-budget film that can make a comeback in this market that's teeming with franchises and familiar IP.

If viewers do turn up, it may be proof that original stories are worth the risk for studios. While the franchise will always stay part of Hollywood, if Disclosure Day is successful, then a better mix of established brands and new concepts could be the result.

After all, all of the big brands began with an idea. Without taking risks on new stories, there may be no new iconic movie worlds for the next generation. That's why Disclosure Day is more than just one film, it's a test of whether an original film can be an instant box office hit again.