NOTE: Mega Markets are designed to generate long-range forecasts and close approximately one month before the currently scheduled opening weekend. All participants still in the market at the close of trading will immediately receive $200 in fantasy money for their participation.
THE MARKET: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” goes into wide release on Friday, August 15, 2008. How much will it gross in its opening weekend as first reported by Variety on August 18? Each dollar of the share price represents millions of dollars in sales. Shares bought at $45, for example, would be worth $78 if the movie grosses $78 million. Trading closes July 17 at midnight, PT.
THE DATA: “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” raked in nearly $110 million in its opening weekend in 2005. This animated extension of the saga doesn’t figure to command such a princely sum. Nevertheless, the bankable “Star Wars” allure may well enable the “The Clone Wars” to rival the $60 million opening enjoyed by “Kung-Fu Panda.”
OUR TAKE: There’s no pleasing “Star Wars” fans. First there was the potentially ginned-up outcry surrounding “Fanboys.” Now die-hards are said to be less than pleased with the forthcoming “The Clone Wars.” According to Neil Miller, the second trailer for the flick was met with “continued feelings of disdain and dismissiveness from fans across the globe.” No matter. For a new generation, there’s a video game and cartoon series, which will be shown on both TNT and the Cartoon Network.

LEARN MORE:
See the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” home page.

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