The domestic box office gets a giant boost for the Easter holiday weekend with the arrival of Godzilla vs. Kong [GOVKO]. The two Legendary kaijus finally clash in the fourth film set in their shared MonsterVerse. The opening weekend for each film in the franchse has dropped from Godzilla’s $93.2 million to Kong: Skull Island’s $61.0 million to Godzilla: King of Monsters’ $47.8 million. Despite favorable buzz, the trend will continue with Godzilla vs. Kong due to the pandemic as well as its simultaneous availability on HBO Max. Godzilla vs. Kong opened on Wednesday in 2409 theaters and collected $9.6 million. Moviegoers gave the film an "A" CinemaScore, which indicates excellent word of mouth. Expanding to 3046 theaters on Good Friday, Godzilla vs. Kong could crush $24.0 million over the 3-day holiday weekend.
Sony counters with the PG-13 rated horror film The Unholy [SHRNE]. The religious theme could resonant with its target audience over the Christian holiday weekend. The lack of review won't matter to horror fans. Showing in 1850 theaters, The Unholy may exorcise $4.0 million.
Even with new competition, Nobody [NOBOD] may be able to hold around 55% of its opening for a second weekend at $3.6 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.