The first weekend of 2017 is likely to end the same way as the last weekend of 2016. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story [SW16] should retain first place at the box office for a fourth consecutive weekend with around $26 million. That would push the cumulative total towards $480 million.
Sing [SING] could challenge for the top spot at about $25 million as the animated musical crosses the $200 million mark during its third weekend.
After two weeks of limited release, Hidden Figures [HIDNF] expands wide into 2471 theaters. Taraji P. Henson [TPHEN] and Octavia Spencer [OSPEN] star as real-life mathematicians at NASA during the 1960s space race. The PG-rated drama has earned rave reviews and Oscar buzz. With an eager and receptive audience, Hidden Figures should be able clear $19 million.
Kate Beckinsale [KBECK] reprises her role in Underworld: Blood Wars [UNDW5]. While all four previous installments in the Sony series opened above $20 million, it’s been 4 years since the last outing, Underworld: Awakening. The R-rated fantasy will only appeal to the most hardcore fans. Descending upon 3065 theaters, Underworld: Blood Wars may claim $15 million.
The musical La La Land [LALAL] will likely be a multiple winner at the Golden Globes on Sunday. Lionsgate doubles the theater count to 1515 in anticipation and could be rewarded with another $8 million.
Focus Features expands A Monster Calls [AMCAL] wide into 1523 theaters. The PG-13 rated fantasy has not broken out with a high per-screen-average in limited release despite positive reviews. A Monster Calls may tune in $5 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): SW16, SING, HIDNF, TPHEN, OSPEN, KBECK, UNDW5, LALAL, AMCAL