Kanye Praise Builds Buzz for Legendary’s ‘Pacific Rim’ Debut

Solid reviews and Internet buzz are lifting box-office forecasts for “Pacific Rim,” the first big solo project by producer Thomas Tull, who is trying to build an independent studio with its own cast of monsters and heroes.

The July 9 premiere in Los Angeles, along with Internet chatter led by Twitter praise from Kanye West, has raised projections for today’s opening and weekend sales for the film, a $180 million thriller about gigantic invading sea creatures. That suggests Tull will avoid a major loss and possibly break even, according to Phil Contrino, an analyst with Boxoffice.com.