From 'Maleficent' to 'Hercules': Summer's 5 Biggest Box-Office Risks

Five movies with budgets ranging from $100 million to $175 million-plus are aiming for blockbuster status — but all are far from sure things.

This story first appeared in the May 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

Maleficent (MAY 30)

Budget: $175 million-plus

Why it's vulnerable: Disney's fairy tale might need to gross $500 million worldwide just to recoup.

Path to success: Frozen has revived interest in princesses.

Hot seat: $20 million star Angelina Jolie and first-time director Robert Stromberg.

Edge of Tomorrow (JUNE 6)

Budget: $175 million-plus

Why it's vulnerable: The Warner Bros. sci-fi epic feels just like Tom Cruise's last (soft) film, Oblivion.

Path to success: Overseas: Oblivion grossing nearly $200 million internationally, compared with $89.1 million domestically.

Hot seat: Cruise and director Doug Liman, who needs a hit.

STORY: Summer Box-Office Forecast--Studio-by-Studio Breakdown

Jupiter Ascending (JULY 18)

Budget: $150 million

Why it's vulnerable: The Wachowskis' last film, Cloud Atlas, failed ($130 million global).

Path to success: The Matrix filmmakers have appealing stars in Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis.

Hot seat: Tatum (in pointy ears).

Hercules (JULY 25)

Budget: $100 million

Why it's vulnerable: Sandal movies largely have failed of late.

Path to success: Bankable global star Dwayne Johnson.

Hot seat: MGM and Paramount, which co-financed.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (AUG. 8)

Budget: $120 million

Why it's vulnerable: TMNT have been out of movies for 20 years.

Path to success: Cross-generational appeal.

Hot seat: Producer Michael Bay.