Universal attempts to launch a new cinematic Dark Universe for their stable of monsters, but Wonder Woman [WONDR] may stand in the way. The superheroine has followed up its $103 million debut with strong weekday numbers. Wonder Woman exceeded moviegoer expectation and has better word of mouth than Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, which dropped 65% and 69% in their respective second weekend. Wonder Woman could clear $50 million if it slips under 55%.
The Mummy [MUMY4] arrives 18 years after Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy debuted with $43.4 million. Tom Cruise [TCRUI] toplines the modern reboot which introduces a female version of the monster, played by Sofia Butella [SBUTE]. Universal first marketed the PG-13 rated thriller as a Mission: Impossible clone, but has then pivoted to giving away seemingly major plot points. The moves appear desperate, as moviegoers remain uninterested. Negative reviews embargoed until yesterday only reinforce the bad buzz. Opening in 4034 theaters, The Mummy may capture $35 million.
With little competition for animated family fare, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie [CUNDP] could hold 60% of its opening weekend to finish around $15 million.
A24 targets horror fans with It Comes at Night [ITCNT] starring Joel Edgerton [JEDGE]. A24 opened The Witch to $8.8 million last year, while Joel Edgerton opened The Gift to $11.9 million in 2015. The R-rated apocalyptic film has generate favorable reviews and buzz among genre fans. It Comes at Night may gather $11 million from 2533 locations.
Kate Mara [KMARA] stars as Megan Leavey [LEAVY], a real-life solider who wants to adopt her military dog. The PG-13 rated tear-jerker is by far Bleecker Street’s widest opener at 1956 theaters. Appealing primarily to older women, Megan Leavey could bring home $2.5 million.
Fox Searchlight will also court older women with My Cousin Rachel [MCRAC]. The British drama may seduce $1.5 million from 523 theaters.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): WONDR, MUMY4, TCRUI, CUNDP, ITCNT, JEDGE, KMARA, LEAVY, MCRAC