As Hollywood studios pulled their major releases off the calendar, independent distributors have stuck around to pick up the remaining business. Open Road, which declared bankruptcy two years ago and changed ownership, is back in the theatrical game with Honest Thief [HNSTF]. The PG-13 rated actioner stars Liam Neeson [LNEES] in another derivative of his avenging Taken character. Two months ago,Unhinged debuted to $4.0 million in 1823 theaters. With a lack of competition, Honest Thief should be able to perform just as well. Cracking 2425 theaters, Honest Thief could collect $4.5 million.
After its better than expected start, War with Grandpa [WARGP] should be able to hold 60% for a second weekend near $2.2 million.
The faith-based film 2 Hearts [2HRTS] is based on the true story of two couples linked by a heart donor transplant. The PG-13 rated romance hopes to bank on the popularity of rising star Jacob Elordi. Booked in 1683 theaters through Freestyle Releasing, 2 Hearts may secure $1.0 million.
Sony is dumping The Kid Detective [KIDET] in 866 theaters. The poster and trailer for the R-rated thriller was only released on Monday. Yellow Rose managed $150K last weekend. With less publicity, The Kid Detective may locate just $100K.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): HNSTF, LNEES, WARGP, 2HRTS, KIDET