Two new wide releases will target the opposite sexes, but the blockbuster It [IT1] will easily repeat atop the weekend box office. Horror films are typically front-loaded, and an exisiting IP with a big fanbase looks to suffer the same fate. After its record-breaking opening, It could sink 58% in its second weekend to $51 million, which should be enough to cross $200 million after just 10 days.
Dylan O’Brien [DOBRI] stars as American Assassin [AMASN] based on the spy novel by Vince Flynn. The actioner will attract primarily older men, since its R-rating limit the audience from crossing over like the PG-13 rated Bourne series. Targeting 3154 theaters, American Assassin may hit $15 million.
Paramount courts women with Mother! [MOTER] starring Jennifer Lawrence [JLAWR] and Michelle Pfeiffer [MPFEI]. Marketing for the R-rated thriller conveys an unconventional film, unlikely to appeal to the average moviegoer. Director Darren Aronofsky [DARON] is known for his arthouse sensibility rather than as a crowd-pleaser. Reviews have only reinforce the notion that the film will divide the audience. Playing in just 2368 theaters, Mother! could top out at $11 million.
With older women as its main audience, Home Again [HMAGN] should be able to hold 60% of its debut for a second weekend around $5 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): IT1, DOBRI, AMASN, MOTER, JLAWR, MPFEI, DARON, HMAGN