A trio of new releases targeted at different demographics arrive at multiplexes with a shot at claiming the box office title. The winner is likely to come down to a battle between two fanbases. Rambo: Last Blood [RAMB5] stars Sylvester Stallone supposedly for the final time as the Vietnam War veteran. Set on U.S. soils for the first time since 1982’s First Blood, Last Blood takes on a Mexican drug cartel. Lionsgate has cranked up the nostalgia factor in its marketing. The previous Rambo opened in January 2008 at $18.2 million. With a much higher theater count of 3618, Rambo: Last Blood could spill $23 million.
Downton Abbey [DWTAB] continues the stories of the British TV series on the big screen. The period drama is leading advance ticket sales for the weekend, but that may be a reflection of its much older female, but still rabid fanbase. Downton Abbey may bring in $22.0 million from 3079 locations.
Brad Pitt toplines Ad Astra [ASTRA], which Disney inherited from Fox. The sci-fi has drawn excellent reviews since debuting at the Venice Festival. However, the Latin-titled film may be too cerebral for the mainstream audience. Launching in 3460 theaters, Ad Astra could land $18.5 million.
It: Chapter Two [IT2] will continue to deflate to about $18.0 million during its third weekend.
Despite its big opening, Hustlers [HSTLR] received only a B- CinemaScore, which indicates mixed word of mouth. Hustlers could drop 50% to $16.5 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): RAMB5, DWTAB, ASTRA, IT2, HSTLR