The weekend box office should get a slight boost from Veterans Day falling on a Friday this year. However, the election of Donald Trump as our next President has dampened the mood of half the nation. Will Americans seek out or avoid film entertainment? Like most Marvel superhero films after a blockbuster opening, Doctor Strange [DRSTR] is likely to lose more than half during its following weekend. Doctor Strange will still hold on to first place with about $38 million.
With Friday a school holiday, the animated Trolls [TROLL] should be able to hold 60% of its opening for a second weekend of $28 million.
Amy Adams [AMADA] and Jeremy Renner [JRENN] star in the latest alien invasion film Arrival [SOYLF]. The PG-13 rated film has earned rave reviews as a smart and thoughtful sci-fi, rather than another Independence Day. However, most moviegoers prefer their sci-fi to be action-packed and may be in for a slow disappointment. Paramount is opening Arrival in just 2317 theaters, which may limit the opening to around $21 million.
Danny Glover [DGLOV] and Mo'Nique [MONIQ] lead the ensemble holiday comedy Almost Christmas [MEYER]. African-Americans will make up most of the film’s audience. The Universal release could gather $15 million from 2372 locations.
Hacksaw Ridge [HSRDG] should benefit the most from Veterans Day. The WWII drama could hold 70% of its debut for a $11 million sophomore frame.
EuropaCorp targets young women with the PG-13 thriller Shut In [SHUTN]. The film’s release date has pushed back multiple times, which is never a good sign. Opening in 2050 theaters, Shut In may lock down $7 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): DRSTR, TROLL, AMADA, JRENN, SOYLF, DGLOV, MEYER, HSRDG, SHUTN