Walt Disney looks to have another record-setting, number one film this weekend with Pixar’s Finding Dory [NEMO2], the long awaited sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo. Ellen DeGeneres is back to voice the crwod-favorite, amnesiac blue tang. The scen-stealing sidekick from the first film takes the leading role in the PG-rated sequel. Pixar films pretty much sell themselves, and Finding Nemo is Pixar’s second most beloved series behind only Toy Story. Like previous Pixar sequels, Finding Dory looks to enjoy a healthy bump from Finding Nemo’s $70.3 million opening 13 years ago. Advance ticket sales are outpacing Minions, which opened to $115.7 million last year, so Finding Dory is certain to surpass Toy Story 3’s $110.3 million as Pixar’s biggest debut. The all-time opening weekend record of $121.6 million for an animated film set by Shrek the Third in 2007 is also likely to fall. Opening in 4305 theaters as the widest Pixar release ever, Finding Dory may reach $124 million.
Two of the hardest working actors in Hollywood finally team up in Central Intelligence [CINTL]. Dwayne Johnson [TROCK] has been providing the muscle in recent action films, while Kevin Hart [KHART] has found success in buddy comedies. Naturally, Warner Bros. has brought them together for a PG-13 rated action comedy. The trailers have received tremendous response, especially the ‘Fat Robbie’ bit. Reporting in 3508 theaters, Central Intelligence could uncover $38 million.
The Conjuring 2 [CNJU2] was immune to the sequel curse that afflicted others thus far this summer. Horror films usually fall off the cliff on the second weekend, but strong word of mouth should keep The Conjuring 2’s drop-off at a little more than 50% to around $19 million.
The sequel curse did befall Now You See Me 2 [NYSM2]. The magic-based thriller may lose 50% in its second act to $11 million.
Warcraft [WARCF] connected only with fanboys, who frontloaded the fantasy epic. Warcraft looks to tumble 60% to $10 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): NEMO2, CINTL, TROCK, KHART, CNJU2, NYSM2, WARCF