Lionsgate looks to finish one-two at the box office this weekend with a couple of familiar names. After a six-year absence, the Saw horror franchise that ruled Halloween weekend from 2004 to 2010 returns with an eighth installment, Jigsaw [SAW8]. The previous chapter Saw 3D opened to $22.5 million, which is unlikely to be topped by Jigsaw. While the R-rated sequel will appeal to some diehard fans, mainstream horror consumers have moved on to It and Happy Death Day. The season 2 debut of Netflix’s "Stranger Things" could also steer away the target audience. Locked in 2941 theaters, Jigsaw could unravel $17 million.
A year ago, Boo! A Madea Halloween decline just 40% during its second weekend. As a sequel, Boo 2! A Madea Halloween [BOAM2] will likely drop more than 50% to $10 million.
George Clooney [GCLOO] directs Matt Damon [MDAMO] in the black comedy Suburbicon [SUBCN] scripted by the Coen brothers. Unfortunately, the R-rated film has earned negative reviews, which will dissuade adult moviegoers. Paramount is opening Suburbicon in just 2046 theaters and may settle for $6.5 million.
Geostorm [GEOST] is likely to lose 55% of its opening weekend to $6.2 million.
One week after playing a firefighter in Only the Brave, Miles Teller [MTELL] plays a soldier in Thank You For Your Service [TYFYS]. Targeting a similar Red States audience, the R-rated drama should also draw around $6.0 million from 2054 theaters.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): SAW8, BOAM2, GCLOO, MDAMO, SUBCN, GEOST, MTELL, TYFYS