Super Bowl weekend brings three new wide releases targeted primarily at non-football fans. However, none will unseat Kung Fu Panda 3 [PAND3] from the top spot. The sequel did not open as highly as previous installments, which could mean longer legs. Kung Fu Panda 3 may be able to hold around 55% of its opening for another $23 million.
The Coen brothers [COEN] directed the screwball comedy Hail, Caesar! [HAILC] featuring George Clooney [GCLOO], Channing Tatum [CTATU] and Scarlett Johansson [SJOHA]. Despite the all-star cast, the PG-13 rated satire about 1950s Hollywood will likely only appeal to older adults. Universal won’t come close to Coens’ last two wide openers: True Grit’s $24.8 million in 2010 or Burn After Reading’s $19.2 million in 2008. Playing in 2231 theaters, Hail, Caesar! may hike $11 million.
Sony counters with the PG-13 rated horror mashup Pride and Prejudice and Zombies [PRDPZ]. The Jane Austen satire does have competition for young women from The Choice [CHOCE]. Showing in 2930 theaters, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies could slice up $10 million.
Lionsgate offers the latest Nicholas Sparks romance adaptation The Choice starring Benjamin Walker [BWALK] and Theresa Palmer [TPALM]. Relativity opened the last Sparks adaptation The Best of Me to $10 million in October 2014. The Choice may tally $9 million from 2631 locations.
The Finest Hours [FINHR] should hold best among films in their sophomore frame. Disney’s Coast Guard rescue tale looks to bring home another $5 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): PAND3, COEN, HAILC, GCLOO, CTATU, SJOHA, PRDPZ, CHOCE, BWALK, TPALM, FINHR