One Night Only' grosses $1M+ in previews, matches 'Anyone But You

Universal’s “One Night Only” has cleared more than $1 million in preview ticket sales ahead of its wide release on Friday, matching the opening momentum of last summer’s hit “Anyone But You.”

The romantic comedy, directed by Will Gluck and starring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel, follows a couple who reunite for one last night before their divorce is finalized. Its strong preview performance puts it on track to be the top new release of the weekend, buoyed by a marketing push that leans into Lopez’s star power and the proven appeal of Gluck’s previous rom-com, which grossed $219 million domestically. Industry trackers note that mid-budget romantic comedies have struggled to regain traction post-pandemic, making “One Night Only” a test case for whether audiences still respond to the genre at scale.

Summer’s final frame traditionally offers studios a chance to recoup before the fall awards season, and Universal appears to be banking on “One Night Only” to do just that. The film’s preview haul is particularly notable because it arrives just as Sony’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” completes its second weekend with an estimated $60 million, locking in its place as the month’s top earner. Analysts say the contrast highlights the enduring power of tentpole franchises while smaller studio films fight for attention in crowded release windows.

If “One Night Only” holds its opening night lead, it could stabilize summer box office totals and give Universal leverage to greenlight more mid-budget rom-coms aimed at older millennials. Its performance will also signal whether audiences remain loyal to the genre or if streaming fatigue has permanently shifted spending habits. Either way, the race to close the summer season is far from over.