A trio of new films will compete for second place against the record-breaking, rated R superhero Deadpool [DEADP]. After such a staggering opening over a holiday weekend, Deadpool is likely to drop more than 50% to a still massive $62 million.
Christian moviegoers should give Risen [CLAVU] the best chance at the runner-up spot. The PG-13 rated Biblical thriller stars Joseph Fiennes [JFIEN] as a Roman solider investigating the disappearance of Jesus’ body. Sony has had success with faith-based releases such as War Room, which opened to $11.4 million. Risen could have wider appeal with non-believers and reach $12 million from 2915 theaters.
Stephan James [SJAME] stars in the Jesse Owens biopic Race [RACE]. As significant as his achievements were, 1936 is practically ancient history to today’s youth. Focus will only attract older moviegoers. However, mixed reviews indicate why the PG-13 rated film is opening in February rather than during the Oscar award season. Starting in 2369 theaters, Race may finish with $9 million.
Endorsed by the Satanic Temple, The Witch [TWITC] has been building buzz among horror fans since its Sundance premiere a year ago. A24 originally set a limited release for the R-rated film until positive test screening results changed their mind. A similar indie title last year, It Follows opened limited first before a wide expansion brought in $3.8 million. By going wide in 1800 theaters, The Witch could brew up $7 million.
The other two sophomore flicks, How to be Single [HTBSN] is likely to swipe $9 million while Zoolander 2 [ZOOL2] settles for $6 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): DEADP, CLAVU, JFIEN, SJAME, RACE, TWITC, HTBSN, ZOOL2