As holdover films from 2014 continue to make bank, a new 2015 entry is poised to seize the box office crown. Liam Neeson [LNEES] is back with his particular set of skills in the action sequel Taken 3 [TAKE3]. The 2009 original opened to $24.7 million and made Neeson a new action star. The 2012 sequel cemented that status with a $49.5 million debut. However, the third and final PG-13 rated outing is likely to trend downward. While Taken 2 could riff off Taken, the story is pretty stretched out as the former CIA agent finds himself on the run accused of murdering his wife ala The Fugitive. Even as franchise fatigue set in for some moviegoers, there should be enough goodwill left for the hardcore action fans. Landing in 3593 theaters, Taken 3 could bag around $28 million.
After earning more than $2 million in two weeks of limited release, Selma [SELMA] expands nationwide. David Oyelowo [DOYEL] stars as Martin Luther King Jr. in the historical drama about the Civil Rights Movement. The PG-13 rated film has earned rave reviews and is one of the leading awards contender. Producer and co-star Oprah Winfrey [OWINF] has done her share in promoting the film, whose subject matter remains relevant in light of current events. Appealing across multiple demographics, Selma may tally $20 million from 2173 locations.
The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies [HOBT3] may be giving up its throne, but the fantasy sequel should loot another $12 million.
Last weekend’s sole wide opener, The Woman in Black: Angel of Death [WMBL2] is likely to tumble 55% to around $6.5 million.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s [PTAND] adaptation of Thomas Pychon’s Inherent Vice [INHVC] expands into 645 theaters. The quirky comedy could attract $4 million from cinephiles.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): LNEES, TAKE3, SELMA, DOYEL, OWINF, HOBT3, WMBL2, PTAND, INHVC