Dark Horse: Business Plan Forecasts Box Office Record

The film Dark Horse is drawing attention by presenting box office projections that surpass the national cinema's historical record by more than three times. The business plan, presented by publicist Thiago Miranda, outlined three scenarios: pessimistic US$45 million, conservative US$70 million, and optimistic US$100 million. In comparison, the highest box office result in national cinema history was achieved by Minha Mãe é uma Peça 3 (2019), with approximately R$120 million – about US$30 million.

Investigations into Dark Horse Financing

On July 22, Minister André Mendonça authorized the opening of an inquiry to investigate Flávio Bolsonaro, a presidential candidate, in the context of Dark Horse's financing. The investigation focuses on possible crimes of money laundering, currency evasion, corruption, and other offenses allegedly committed by the PL candidate.

Box Office Projections and Distribution

Europa Filmes, responsible for distribution, outlined more modest scenarios: pessimistic with 800,000 spectators, realistic between 1.5 million and 2 million, and optimistic above 2 million. The film plans to be shown in at least 650 theaters, similar to the release of Elite Squad 2, with dubbed copies nationwide.

Bank Transfers and Plea Bargain

Financial market operator Antonio Carlos Freixo Júnior, known as “Mineiro,” confirmed to the Attorney General's Office that he made seven bank transfers to the Havengate fund, totaling US$12.3 million (approximately R$69 million). The declared purpose of these transfers was the production of Dark Horse, but the investigation is verifying whether the funds also financed Eduardo Bolsonaro's self-exile in the United States.

Connections with Banco Master

In audio recordings revealed by Intercept Brasil, Flávio Bolsonaro requested R$134 million from banker Daniel Vorcaro to fund the project. Over R$60 million was paid, according to the Federal Police. The case is part of two distinct investigations: one concerning the funding of the work with parliamentary amendments and another concerning financing via Banco Master, under André Mendonça's jurisdiction.

Impact on Flávio Bolsonaro's Campaign

The Dark Horse scandal triggered a crisis in Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign, especially after the publication of messages from the senator demanding money from the owner of Banco Master, Daniel Vorcaro. The investigation continues to analyze the legality of the transactions and the possible participation of third parties indicated by Vorcaro in cash deliveries.

Investigation Conclusion

The Federal Police and the Attorney General's Office are seeking to cross-reference exchange documents provided in the plea bargain with data from Vorcaro's cell phone to corroborate suspicions of currency evasion and identify the recipients of the cash. The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of new discoveries regarding the origin and destination of the funds involved in Dark Horse's financing.

With information from O GLOBO, Estadão.