“Solo Mio” opens ahead of Super Bowl weekend, with modest Friday box office

“Solo Mio,” a new romantic comedy-drama starring Kevin James, arrived in U.S. theaters on Friday, February 6, 2026, stepping into one of the quietest corridors on the movie calendar: the weekend before the Super Bowl. Early box-office tracking from Friday suggested the film opened with a solid but modest start, positioning it as a notable counter-programming option for audiences looking for something lighter than awards fare or horror.

Industry estimates put the film’s Friday gross at roughly $3.18 million from about 3,052 locations, a pace consistent with expectations for a small-to-mid budget release competing with a major TV event looming on Sunday night.

A deliberate Super Bowl weekend bet

Studios typically avoid launching big tentpoles the same weekend as the championship game, when many potential ticket buyers stay home for parties and the broadcast. That dynamic creates an opening for smaller releases that can win over moviegoers who prefer theaters to crowded living rooms.

“Solo Mio” appears to be aiming for that lane: date-night audiences, fans of Kevin James’ broader comedy work, and viewers drawn to a travel-forward romance with a gentle tone. With the Super Bowl set for Sunday, February 8, many theaters expect stronger business on Friday and Saturday than on game day itself—especially in the evening.

What the film is, and who’s in it

“Solo Mio” centers on Matt, a groom left heartbroken in Rome after a wedding disaster, who decides to take what was meant to be a honeymoon on his own. The story leans on fish-out-of-water humor, scenic Italian settings, and a second-chance romance angle as Matt’s trip turns into something more than a consolation vacation.

The film stars Kevin James alongside Alyson Hannigan, Kim Coates, and Jonathan Roumie. It is rated PG and runs about 1 hour and 37–40 minutes, depending on the listing.

Early box office signals from Friday

Friday’s estimated gross near $3.18 million put “Solo Mio” in the mix among new releases, with a per-theater average a little over $1,000. That’s not a breakout number, but it’s a workable platform for a movie designed to play steadily—particularly if word of mouth proves friendly and if older audiences show up during the week.

Forecast ranges for the full weekend have generally clustered in the low single-digit millions, with Super Bowl viewing expected to suppress Sunday totals. If the film holds well beyond the weekend, it may benefit from the Valentine’s Day calendar turning the following week into a more natural moment for couples to prioritize a rom-com.

Marketing boost from a “lookalike” social campaign

One of the more unusual promotional angles in the lead-up to release has been the circulation of short-form videos tied to a persona that closely resembles the film’s main character. The account’s popularity helped put the title in front of viewers who might not otherwise track new theatrical releases—especially in an environment where smaller films can struggle to break through.

The exact relationship between the campaign and the film’s marketing has not been publicly confirmed in a way that settles all speculation. Still, the visibility appears to have helped “Solo Mio” carve out a recognizable hook going into opening weekend.

What happens next for “Solo Mio”

The near-term question is whether “Solo Mio” can convert curiosity into repeat business after Sunday’s TV event passes. A modest opening can become a decent run if weekday attendance stabilizes and if audiences treat the film as an easy, upbeat option in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.

Key takeaways:

• Friday’s start suggests steady interest, but not a breakout surge.

• Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, is expected to be the softest day of the weekend.

• The film’s best window may be the week leading into Valentine’s Day, when romantic titles often get a second look.

Sources consulted: The Numbers, Box Office Mojo, RogerEbert.com, Angel Studios