Hollywood pits two special effects-laden blockbuster sequels over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, traditionally one of the busiest of the year. Fox is likely to emerge victorious with X-Men: Apocalypse [XMEN6], the sixth installment in their mutant superhero franchise. Two years ago, X-Men: Days of Future Past cleared $110.6 million over the long weekend. However, the fifth installment included the cast from the original trilogy, who do not return this time around. Apocalypse does introduce the X-Men’s greatest nemesis and title villain, played by Oscar Isaac [OISAA] as well as the young Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm and Nightcrawler. Marketing on the PG-13 rated film has centered on its biggest star, Jennifer Lawrence [JLAWR] without the blue Mystique makeup. Although advance ticket sales are similar to Days of Future Past, Apocalypse is likely to be frontloaded due to terrible reviews. Descending into 4148 theaters, X-Men: Apocalypse could claim $91 million over the 4-day weekend
Alice Through the Looking Glass [ALCN2] shows Disney is not immune to producing a sequel no one really clamored for. As the 3D spectacle that succeeded Avatar, Alice in Wonderland debuted with an astonishing $116 million in March 2010. However, the film is not fondly remembered six years later by even Johnny Depp [JDEPP] fans. The Disney marketing machine is unlikely to propel the PG-rated sequel to overcome tepid reviews and approach anywhere near the original opening. Playing in 3763 theaters, Alice Through the Looking Glass could clock out with $61 million through Monday.
After getting the high score last weekend, The Angry Birds Movie [ANGRB] faces competition for families with older kids from the new duo. The Angry Birds Movie did earn favorable word of mouth and could hit another $28 million over the long weekend.
Captain America: Civil War [CAPA3] has depreciated at pretty much the same rate as Iron Man 3, which would put its holiday weekend at around $26 million.
Not as many moviegoers rushed Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising [NEIB2] as expected. The sophomore weekend looks to bring in $13 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): XMEN6, OISAA, JLAWR, ALCN2, JDEPP, ANGRB, CAPA3, NEIB2