Negative publicity looks to sink a new release while good word of mouth should keep a holdover in first place. With buzz spreading about its surprise ending, Split should be able to retain 50% of its debut for a second weekend around $20 million.
Universal targets pet lovers with the PG-rated family film A Dog’s Purpose [ADOGP]. Unfortunately, a video of a dog being forced into water during production has gone viral and turned off many potential moviegoers. A Dog’s Purpose may settle with $18 million from 3050 locations.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter [RESE6] concludes Sony’s R-rated zombie series starring Milla Jovovich [MJOVO]. It’s been more than 4 years ago since the previous installment Retribution opened with $21 million. A similar gap in Sony’s Underworld series resulted in an opening drop from $25.3 million in 2012 to $13.7 million earlier this month. Playing in 3104 theaters, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter could score $13 million.
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage [XXX3] underperformed Paramount’s expectations for a reborn franchise. The action sequel should drop more than 50% to around $9 million.
After The Founder floundered last week, The Weinstein Co. dumps another of its Oscar non-contender Gold [GOLDX] this week. Matthew McConaughey [MMCCO] plays a fraudulent gold prospector in the R-rated drama inspired by a true story. Panning 2166 theaters, Gold may strike $4 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): ADOGP, RESE6, MJOVO, XXX3, GOLDX, MMCCO