Disney is going back to theater exclusivity for the action comedy Free Guy [FREEG] just as moviegoing confidence dips due to rising numbers of COVID cases. A title acquired from Fox, Free Guy stars Ryan Reynolds as a video game character trying to break free and save his digital world. The PG-13 rated film has earned positive buzz from early reviews. Reynolds has been up to his usual marketing shenanigans, but the question remains how big can the likeable actor open an original film not based on a preexisting IP. Starting in 4165 theaters, Free Guy could level up $27 million.
Front-loaded by fanboys and available on HBO Max, The Suicide Squad [SUIC2] is likely to tumble 60% in its sophomore session to $11 million.
The family-friendly Jungle Cruise [JUNGC] should book another $10 million during its third outing.
Stephen Lang is back as the blind man in the horror sequel Don’t Breathe 2 [DNBR2]. Five years ago, Don’t Breathe debuted at $26.4 million. Too much time may have passed for the R-rated sequel which doesn’t expand on the original premise. Playing in 3005 theaters, Don’t Breathe 2 may take in $9 million.
Jennifer Hudson stars as Aretha Franklin in the biopic Respect [RESPC]. The MGM release has earned decent reviews. Respect could earn $8.5 million from 3207 theaters.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): FREEG, SUIC2, JUNGC, DNBR2, RESPC