After debuting their entire 2021 slate day-n-date on HBO Max, Warner Bros. returns to theatrical exclusivity with The Batman [TBATM], though only for 45 days. Robert Pattinson takes over the cowl in the latest reboot of the DC Comic superhero. Director Matt Reeves has crafted a dark, detective noir set during Bruce Wayne’s second year as the Caped Crusader. Paul Dano co-stars as the Riddler who is terrorizing the corrupt elites of Gotham. Batman’s last feature appearance in Justice League starring Ben Affleck debuted with just $93.8 million in 2017, which was down from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’s $166.0 million in 2016. The Batman has earned comparable buzz and reviews as The Dark Knight Rises, the last stand-alone Batman film, which opened at $160.9 million in 2012. The Batman is a long 3 hrs, which reduces showings per day. To compensate, theaters have put the PG-13 rated film on more screens and charge higher prices. Swooping into 4417 theaters, The Batman could nab $132 million.
With stronger competition during its third weekend, Uncharted [UNCHT] may settle with $11 million and cross the $100 million mark.
Dog [DOG] will take the bronze medal with around $5.5 million during its third outing.
That's the whisper from the virtual trading floor.