While Disney paints a rosy picture of the opening weekend of Black Widow [BWDOW] by including its PVOD numbers, the reality is that the Marvel film dropped an awful 41% theatrically between Friday and Saturday, due to its availability on Disney+ and piracy sites. As an original story with a new cast, Cruella held 51% during its second weekend. With its opening weekend frontloaded by Marvels fans, Black Widow is likely to tumble at least 65% in its sophomore session to $27 million.
Space Jam: A New Legacy [SJAM2] is the latest blockbuster release from Warner Bros. also debuting simultaneously on HBO Max. Michael Jordan starred in the first Space Jam in 1996. While not a very good film, Space Jam is fondly remembered by kids who are now 25 years older. LeBron James takes over the lead role in the PG-rated sequel which finds the basketball star sucked into the Warner Bros. digital vault filled with characters from its cinematic library. Families have been hesitant to return to theaters, which may keep Space Jam 2 from winning the weekend. Playing in 3800+ theaters, Space Jam: A New Legacy could score around $26 million.
Escape Room 2: Tournament of Champions [ESCR2] targets fans of the original Escape Room, which debut at $18.2 million in January 2019. The PG-13 rated sequel is unlikely to reach the height achieved during the pre-COVID days. Escape Room 2: Tournament of Champions may bring in $9 million from 2815 locations.
F9: The Fast Saga [FAST9] looks to cross the $150 million marker with another $6 million during its fourth weekend.
Focus Features opens Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain [RRFAB] in 926 theaters. The R-rated documentary hopes to connect with fans of the chef-turned-world traveler who were saddened by his suicide. Roadrunner may tally $1.2 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): BWDOW, SJAM2, ESCR2, FAST9, RRFAB