This weekend’s box office stakes looks to be a close, three-horse race between the reigning champion Captain America: Civil War [CAPA3] and two fresh challengers. One of which, The Angry Birds Movie [ANGRB] appears most likely to break out and finish in first place. Based on the blockbuster mobile game, the PG-rated animated film has been heavily marketed by Sony and promoted on social media by its talents. The Angry Birds Movie is already a hit internationally and advance ticket sales points to the same domestically. Slinging into 3932 theaters, The Angry Birds Movie could knock down $42 million.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising [NEIB2] hopes to duplicate the success of Neighbors, which surprised with $49.0 million two years ago. Universal is marketing the R-rated comedy sequel as Parenthood vs Sisterhood, which could turn off some of the young male fans who turned out for Neighbors and its focus on fraternity life. Recent comedy sequels have underperformed. As such, trackings and presales do not indicate the sequel will out-gross the original. Raging in 3384 locations, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising could chug $40 million.
Despite better reviews, Captain America: Civil War dropped as severely as previous Marvel sequels. If the decay pattern continues, Captain America: Civil War would claim another $38 million.
Ryan Gosling [TGOSL] and Russell Crowe [RCROW] buddy up in the R-rated action comedy The Nice Guys [NICEG]. Like Sony with Money Monster last week, Warner Bros. premiered the film at Cannes to generate press and buzz, which have been overwhelmingly positive. The Nice Guys could score $15 million from 2865 theaters.
After its better than expected debut, Money Monster [MONYM] faces direct competition from The Nice Guys. Money Monster could hold 55% for a sophomore session of $8 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): CAPA3, ANGRB, NEIB2, RCROW, NICEG, MONYM