Box Office Preview: ‘Titanic’ Sails Again in 3D

Can 3D raise the Titanic?

Nearly 15 years after James Cameron’s Titanic took the world by storm and became the most successful film of all time — grossing $1.8 billion — the movie is being rereleased in 3D on Wednesday, the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Paramount opens Titanic 3D in 2,600 locations domestically, while 20th Century Fox (the two studios are partners on the property) launches the film around the globe, including in Japan, where the move was a giant blockbuster.

In advance of the opening, Paramount is hosting about 300 sneak previews at theaters around the U.S. on Tuesday night for die-hard fans.

PHOTOS: ‘Titanic 3D’ London Premiere

In the U.S., Titanic 3D is tracking best among younger females, followed by older. Box office observers believe the film will gross $20 million to $25 million for the Wednesday-Friday stretch, but caution rereleases are relatively unknown territory (plus, it is Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet).

Last fall, Disney’s 3D rerelease of Lion King impressed in opening to $30.2 million and topping the box office for two weekends in a row. The rerelease ultimately earned a dazzling $94.2 domestically and $84 million overseas.

PHOTOS: ‘Titanic 3D’ Film Stills

The 3D release of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast earned $48.7 million earlier this year worldwide, while George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace has earned $102 million to date.

Titanic looks to take advantage of spring break, as well as the long Easter weekend. But it faces a major competitor in The Hunger Games, which continues to soar at the box office. The only new offering this weekend is American Reunion, which resurrects Universal’s successful comedy franchise.