A bomb cyclone hit the East Coast this week followed by a freezing polar vortex, which could dampen the box office this weekend. Nevertheless, the rest of the country can still enjoy Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle [JUMNJ], which has held like gangbusters. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is likely to ascend to first place with about $27 million.
Both Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One dropped more than 50% in its fourth weekend. Star Wars: The Last Jedi [STAR8] will follow suit and finish around $25 million for the second spot.
Insidious: The Last Key [NSID4] is the lone new wide release for the first weekend of 2018, which is typically a profitable slot for horror films. The previous installment Insidious: Chapter 3 opened in June 2015 to $22.7 million, but that was down from Chapter 2’s $40.3 million opening. Expect franchise fatigue to continue for the latest PG-13 rated sequel. Opening in 3116 theaters, Insidious: The Last Key could unlock $18 million.
With excellent word of mouth, The Greatest Showman [TGSOE] continues to hold strong and should finish fourth at $9 million.
STX expands Molly’s Game [MOLYG] wide to 1608 theaters after earning $6 million in 2 weeks of limited release. The Aaron Sorkin film starring Jessica Chastain [JCHAS] has earned rave reviews. Molly’s Game may collect $7 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): JUMNJ, STAR8, NSID4, TGSOE, MOLYG, JCHAS