With 'Risky Business' launched successfully over the weekend, the immediate pressure was off. Given its strong $11.59 million opening against a relatively modest $7 million budget, profitability seemed virtually assured. The main question now was just how big it would become.
For an original, R-rated film released in the competitive summer market, this was a huge debut. However, it wasn't quite enough to claim the top spot; it landed at #2 for the weekend, narrowly missing first place due to the simultaneous, massive opening of the horror sequel 'Jaws 3-D'.
Back in Utah, filming on 'Footloose' continued, but the buzz followed Alex Hayes. In their hotel room between shooting days, on Monday morning after the full weekend figures were confirmed, Alex lay back against the headboard. Diane Lane rested comfortably on his chest, her head tucked under his chin, easily able to glance down at the newspaper and clippings spread across the bed covers in front of them.
One headline in the Wall Street Journal's entertainment section caught her eye: "Alex Hayes Scores Again: Is 'Risky Business' a 'Double Hat Trick' Hit?" The article speculated whether this would mark Alex's sixth consecutive major success.
Diane traced the headline with her finger. "A double hat trick... How much do you think it will collect in total?" she asked, tilting her head back slightly to look up at him.
Alex considered it, scanning the early analysis. "It's hard to say for sure with R-rated films," he mused. "They can burn bright and fade, or find a longer life if they hit a nerve. I'm expecting maybe eighty million domestic. But we'll have to see how it holds up against the summer competition."
"Still," Diane said softly, "six hits in a row... that's a big deal, Alex."
Alex leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Yes. It sure is." He paused, reflecting. "Someone was telling me the other day, the last actor who really pulled off that kind of sustained run was probably James Stewart back in the 1950s." He recalled the conversation, "You know, a decade where he seemingly couldn't miss, with hits like 'Harvey', 'Winchester '73', those great Westerns with Anthony Mann like 'Bend of the River' and 'The Far Country', and then the Hitchcock classics 'Rear Window', 'The Man Who Knew Too Much', 'Vertigo'... just one after another through the whole decade."
He shook his head slightly. "It's even more difficult now, with the market changing so fast. But," he added, a determined glint in his eye, "it definitely helps build momentum for the next films, as long as they're good. Gives you more freedom."
He carefully shifted the papers aside, turning his attention fully to Diane. "Speaking of celebrating success, neither of us has shooting call today. How about I take you out for a proper lunch?"
Diane smiled, leaning up to give him a lingering kiss. "I'd love that." She slid off the bed. "Give me a few minutes to get ready."
As she disappeared towards the bathroom, Alex smiled to himself, settling back against the headboard. 'A few minutes,' he thought wryly. Knowing Diane, it would likely be a long, but worthwhile, wait.
*********
In the next four days (Monday, July 25th - Thursday, July 28th, 1983) following the opening weekend, the film generated an additional $5.21 million. This brought the total gross for the first full week of release (7 days) to an impressive $16.80 million.
The film's momentum continued spectacularly into its second weekend. It grossed $9.73 million from Friday to Sunday. This represented an incredibly small drop of only about 16.1% from its opening frame – a phenomenal hold indicating extremely positive word-of-mouth and buzz were drawing huge crowds. This amazing hold, coupled with the expected steep drop for 'Jaws 3-D', allowed 'Risky Business' to climb to the #1 spot at the box office in its second weekend, becoming the nation's top-grossing film. The following four weekdays added another $3.97 million.
In two weeks, 'Risky Business' grossed a total of $30.50 million. Having claimed the box office crown in its second week, the film was clearly resonating, performing well beyond even optimistic projections and solidifying its status as a major hit.
The film held onto the #1 spot at the box office, grossing another $7.89 million over the third weekend. This represented a minuscule drop of just around 18.9% from the previous weekend. It added another $3.45 million during the following weekdays, bringing its cumulative total after three weeks to $41.84 million.
Astonishingly, 'Risky Business' claimed the #1 position again in its fourth weekend, grossing $6.38 million. The consistency was incredible, with another tiny drop of only around 19.1%. It added $2.64 million during the subsequent weekdays. By the end of its fourth week, the film had crossed a major milestone, reaching a cumulative domestic total of $50.86 million.
The film finally relinquished the top spot in its fifth weekend, but still performed strongly, grossing $4.81 million and landing comfortably in the #2 position. The drop increased slightly to about 24.6%, still an excellent hold. It pulled in another $1.91 million over the next four days.
By the end of its fifth full week (concluding Thursday, August 25th, 1983),'Risky Business' had grossed a cumulative total of $57.58 million domestically. It was a certified smash hit, significantly outperforming expectations for an R-rated film.
Around this same time in late August, the whirlwind production schedule for 'Footloose' wrapped up in Utah. With his demanding role as Ren McCormack complete, Alex Hayes headed back to Los Angeles, ready for a much-needed break and to see the final stages of post-production on his completed films.
Back in the familiar, fast-paced environment of Los Angeles after wrapping 'Footloose' in Utah, Alex Hayes headed to the offices of CAA. The phenomenal success of 'Risky Business' throughout the summer was still making waves, and discussions about his future career path were paramount. He was ushered into a conference room where the agency's key players awaited him: Michael Ovitz, Ron Meyer, and his aunt and primary agent, Nancy Jones.
"Alex, welcome back," Ovitz greeted him warmly, rising to shake his hand. "Congratulations are in order. 'Risky Business' is performing spectacularly. Another massive hit."
"Absolutely," Ron Meyer added with a smile. "You nailed it. The critics, the audiences... everyone loves it."
"Thanks, guys," Alex replied, taking a seat. "It feels good."
"Well, the momentum continues," Nancy said, shifting into business mode. "We just got the final confirmation from Universal Pictures on 'Sixteen Candles'. They've locked in a November 4th release date. They're going wide, 1324 theaters to start."
Alex nodded. It was a solid release plan for the John Hughes film, even if his own role was smaller.
"Which brings us to the main topic for today," Ovitz said, leaning forward slightly. "Your career trajectory, Alex."
Nancy picked up the thread gently. "Alex, darling, you know how incredibly proud we all are. Six consecutive major hits before you've even turned twenty... it's unprecedented. You are, without question, the king of high school films right now, the biggest teen idol on the planet." She paused, her expression becoming more serious. "But that image, that specific market... it won't last forever. We need to start strategically thinking about transitioning you into more mature roles, ensuring longevity."
Alex met her gaze, then looked at Ovitz and Meyer. He nodded slowly. "I agree, Nancy. Completely." This wasn't news to him; he'd been contemplating it himself. The label, while lucrative, felt limiting. "But I don't think the shift needs to be immediate or abrupt. I think I need about two more years to fully capitalize on this current wave, maybe do one or two more films that appeal strongly to this audience while carefully selecting the first steps towards something different. I have some ideas... I'll plan it out, but I'll need your help navigating it, finding the right projects to bridge that gap."
A palpable sense of relief seemed to settle over the agents. Rosenfeld's earlier concerns about Alex's choices were likely shared, to some extent, by others. Hearing Alex articulate a clear understanding of the situation and a willingness to strategize collaboratively was exactly what they wanted.
"That's excellent to hear, Alex," Ovitz said, clearly pleased. "Your foresight is commendable. Knowing what to do is one thing; knowing when is crucial. We completely understand wanting to manage the transition carefully."
Meyer added, "You have our full support, Alex. Whatever plan you formulate, this agency will put its full weight behind finding the right scripts, negotiating the right deals, and positioning you for the long haul. We're here to help you build a career that lasts decades, not just a few hot years."
Nancy smiled warmly at her nephew. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of partnership – Alex acknowledged the need for evolution, and CAA committed to supporting his vision for achieving it.