Three new wide releases enter the marketplace this weekend but none are close to challenging American Sniper [AMSNP] for the top spot. After its record shattering MLK holiday weekend, the war drama has become a cultural phenomenon that fosters debates. With excellent word of mouth and Oscar buzz, American Sniper should be able to hold 55% of its wide opening and collect another $52 million.
Jennifer Lopez [JLOPE] stars in the R-rated thriller The Boy Next Door [BOYND] as a teacher whose affair with her young neighbor turns him into a stalker. Universal is targeting women and Latino moviegoers. Debuting in 2602 theaters, The Boy Next Door could ring up $14 million.
British import Paddington [PADTN] connected with American families. The talking bear shouldn’t decline more than 40% to around $11. 5 million.
Although The Wedding Ringer [WEDRN] was in second place through Sunday, the comedy finished third by Monday. The drop-off looks to continue at more than 50% in its second weekend to $10 million.
When Disney acquired Lucasfilm for the Star Wars franchise, the animated Strange Magic [STMGC] came as part of the deal. The PG-rated fantasy has received little marketing and faces competition from Paddington. Brewing in 3020 theaters, Strange Magic may stir up $9 million.
Johnny Depp [JDEPP] unveils his latest quirky character in the R-rated comedy Mortdecai [MRTDC]. The humor looks to appeal to only his die-hard fans. Depp’s last film Transcendence managed just a $10.9 million opening for a big-budgeted, sci-fi release. Lionsgate may have to settle for $8 million from 2648 locations.
That’s the whisper from the trading floor.
Tag(s): AMSNP, JLOPE, BOYND, PADTN, WEDRN, STMGC, JDEPP, MRTDC