After a couple of quiet weekend, the box office is about to be stimulated with the release of two 3D films. Disney is re-releasing the beloved Pixar film Finding Nemo 3D [NEM3D], which was their top-grosser for 7 years at $339.7 million until Toy Story 3 finished with $415.0 million. The re-release of The Lion King 3D debuted with $30.2 million a year ago, while Beauty and the Beast 3D managed $17.8 million opening in January. With a similar wide appeal from toddlers to adults of both genders, Finding Nemo 3D should tally admissions closer to The Lion King. Diving back into 2907 theaters, Finding Nemo 3D could locate around $27 million.
Resident Evil: Retribution [RESE5] is the fifth installment in Sony's zombie sci-fi franchise based on the equally popular videogame series. Milla Jovovich [MJOVO] headlines once again in the R-rated actioner, joined by series newcomer Li Bingbing [LBING] as well as past favorites Michelle Rodriguez [MRODR] and Oded Fehr [OFEHR]. The previous chapter Resident Evil: Afterlife boasted the biggest debut yet at $26.7 million, but that had the benefit of being the first released in 3D. Now that the novelty has worn off, a slight drop-off is expected. Unlike the international market, the Resident Evil fanbase is unlikely to grow domestically. Taking aim in 3012 theaters, Resident Evil: Retribution may score $25 million.
After a two week reign, The Possession [TPOSN] looks like finish third with about $5 million while fellow holdover Lawless [LWLES] may gross around $3.5 million.
With older women making up most of its audience, The Words [WORDS] could decline 45% to about $2.5 million in its second weekend.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): NEM3D, RESE5, MJOVO, LBING, MRODR, OFEHR, TPOSN, LWLES, WORDS