The young will battle the old this weekend at the box office. Fox goes after teenagers with the sci-fi sequel Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials [MAZE2] based on the second book in a YA book trilogy. A year ago, The Maze Runner debuted at $32.5 million. A bigger fanbase has pushed advance ticket sales ahead of the first film. The PG-13 rated sequel has been trending heavily on social media. Starting in 3790 locations, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials could cross the finish line with $37 million.
Warner Bros. courts adult moviegoers with the gangster drama Black Mass [BMASS]. Johnny Depp [JDEPP] stars as the real-life Whitey Bulger, whose crimes inspired the fictional Oscar-winner The Departed. Since the release of the first trailer, fans have been eager to embrace Depp once again after a string of duds. The R-rated drama debuted to critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival and the positive buzz has spread through Toronto and Telluride. Advance ticket sales are pacing ahead of The Lone Ranger, which debuted with $29.2 million. Shaking down 3188 theaters, Black Mass may be able to clear $30 million.
After being edged out of first place by The Perfect Guy [TPGUY], The Visit [SUNDW] could return the favor in their sophomore frame. Like most horror films, The Visit looks to lose more than 55% to around $11.5 million. No Good Deed tumbled nearly 60% in its second weekend. A similar drop-off would put The Perfect Guy around $10.5 million.
Universal will put Everest [EVRST] in 540 IMAX and other premium large-format screens. Positive reviews on the disaster epic should help Everest stake out $6 million.
David Oyelowo [DOYEL] and Kate Mara [KMARA] star in the inspirational drama Captive [CPTIV] based on a true story. There has been several faith-based films targeted at the same audience recently, and a gritty PG-13 rated major studio release may not appeal to them. Opening in 805 theaters, Captive may deliver $5 million.
After 4 weeks of limited release, Grandma [GRNMA] expands wide into 1021 theaters. The Lily Tomlin starrer could net $2 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): MAZE2, BMASS, JDEPP, TPGUY, SUNDW, EVRST, DOYEL, KMARA, CPTIV, GRNMA