Disney will battle Disney at this weekend’s box office with the arrival of a big budget update of A Wrinkle in Time [AWITM]. Opening in the fourth weekend of Black Panther [BPNTH] seemed like a safe distance, but the Marvel superhero has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. The PG-rated fantasy now faces serious competition for the family moviegoers. Director Ava DuVernay [ADUVE] and star Oprah Winfrey [OWINF] have worked tirelessly to generate buzz. However, negative reviews may keep the film from broadening its audience. Opening in 3980 theaters, A Wrinkle in Time may tally $37 million. That could be enough to edge Black Panther, which should settle around $35 million.
The spy thriller Red Sparrow [RSPRW] did appeal to more women than men. That could stem its second weekend slide less than 50% to $9 million.
The Strangers: Prey at Night [STRN2] arrives 10 years after The Strangers opened to nearly $21 million. The R-rated sequel has an entirely new cast and a new distributor, Aviron, which opened its only previous release Kidnap to $10 million. Stalking 2464 theaters, The Strangers: Prey at Night could claim $9 million.
The male-oriented Death Wish [DWISH] looks to fall more than 50% from its opening to around $6 million.
Since The Hurricane Heist [CATG5] lacks starpower, Entertainment Studios has given the PG-13 rated thriller a self-explanatory title to hook in moviegoers. Landing in 2402 theaters, The Hurricane Heist could hit $5 million.
David Oyelowo [DOYEL] tries comedy in Gringo [AMEXP], but seems miscast as a bumbling American in Mexico. The R-rated release from Amazon and STX may gather just $4 million from 2404 locations.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): AWITM, BPNTH, ADUVE, OWINF, RSPRW, STRN2, DWISH, CATG5, DOYEL, AMEXP