After winning last week with an extinct animal, Warner Bros. brings back an endangered species, the romantic comedy. Based on the best-selling novel, Crazy Rich Asians [CRASN] features an all-Asian cast, which Hollywood hasn’t done for 25 years. Asian-Americans will be out in droves to support the release and its cultural significance. The PG-13 rated film has earned rave reviews, which will broaden its appeal to all women. To get the word of mouth going, Warner Bros. moved up the opening to Wednesday, earning $5 million. Crazy Rich Asians could bank $20 million over the weekend from 3384 theaters.
After taking a bigger than expected bite last weekend, The Meg [MEG] could shrink more than 55% from its debut to $20 million.
Mile 22 [MIL22] reunites director Peter Berg [PEBER] with Mark Wahlberg [MWAHL] for a fourth straight film, but a fictional story for the first time. The R-rated actioner appeals primarily to one demo, older men. STX’s track record shows openings in the mid-teen. Mile 22 looks to be in the same range at around $16 million from 3520 theaters.
Entering its fourth weekend, Mission: Impossible – Fallout [MISS6] targets $180 million with another $12 million.
BlacKkKlansman [BLKKM] should be able to ride excellent buzz and hold better than 65% in its second weekend at $7.5 million.
Sony dumps another movie in August with Alpha [SOLUT], which had been delayed for a year. Originally sold as a prehistorical action adventure, the PG-13 rated film is a now marketed as a family-friendly dog movie. Playing in 2719 theaters, Alpha may dig up $7 million.
As a teen-targeted horror film, Slender Man [SLNDR] will probably tumble 60% to $4.5 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): CRASN, MEG, MIL22, PEBER, MWAHL, MISS6, BLKKM, SOLUT, SLNDR