Two horror sequels collide for the box office crown. Defending champion A Quiet Place Part II [AQPL2] is coming off a massive debut over Memorial Day weekend. Likely frontloaded by the holiday weekend that also included Thursday previews, A Quiet Place Part II is likely to fall more than 50% to $22 million, which may be enough to prevail in a close match.
The challenger The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It [CNJU3] is the latest film in Warner Bros.’ Conjuring Cinematic Universe. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as the Warrens, but director James Wan does not return. The Warrens last appeared in Annabelle Comes Home, which opened two years ago at $20.3 million, while The Conjuring 2 debuted four years ago with $40.4 million. Reviews are not as good as the first two films. Some fans will stay home as The Devil Made Me Do It will also be available on HBOMax. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It could collect $21 million from ~3100 theaters.
Cruella [CRULA] looks to finish third with around $12 million for its second weekend.
Universal counterprograms with the animated Spirit Untamed [SPRDF] based on its cartoon series. The PG-rated animated film has little competition, but its appeal is limited to families with young girls. Saddled up in 3211 theaters, Spirit Untamed may ride off with $7 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): AQPL2, CNJU3, CRULA, SPRDF