After a dull January for new releases at the box office, business is about to pick up in February led by 50 Shades Freed [50SH3], the last chapter in the E.L. James trilogy. The first 50 Shades of Grey debuted at a whopping $85.2 million, but the sequel 50 Shades Darker dropped nearly in half to $46.6 million. The R-rated sex-filled romance brought out many casual moviegoers curious about S&M, but only hardcore fans came back for the sequel two years later. While further decay is expected, 50 Shades Freed follows just one year after 50 Shades Darker and should bring out fans who want to finish out the story of Anastasia and Christian Grey. Steaming up 3768 theaters, 50 Shades Freed could whip out $37 million.
Sony counters with the family film Peter Rabbit [PRABT] based on the classic book character. Domhnall Gleeson [DGLEE] and Rose Byrne [RBYRN] star opposite an animated Rabbit voiced by James Corden [JCORD]. The PG-rated film looks funny enough to attract families, most of whom have already seen Jumanji. Dug into 3725 theaters, Peter Rabbit could fetch $24 million.
Clint Eastwood [CEAST] directed The 15:17 to Paris [1517P], a recreation of three Americans stopping a terrorist attack on a train in 2015 by the actual heroes themselves. The lack of starpower could be appealing to the male target audience in Middle America. The 15:17 to Paris may deliver $13 million from 3042 locations.
As with most horror films, Winchester [WNCHS] will likely tumble 55% or more in its second weekend to $4 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): 50SH3, PRABT, DGLEE, RBYRN, JCORD, CEAST, 1517P, WNCHS