Forty years and 10 follow-ups later, Universal revisits the horror classic Halloween [HALW3] with a new direct sequel produced by Blumhouse. Jamie Lee Curtis [JLCUR] reprises her star-making role as Laurie Strode, who is stalked once again by the masked killer Michael Myers. Directed by David Gordon Green [DGGRE], the R-rated sequel has screened to tremendous response. Connecting with all four audience quadrants, Halloween is eliciting the same horror nostalgia as last year’s It, which shattered records with a $123.4 million opening. Advance ticket sales have already overtaken The Nun, which debuted at $53.8 million last month. Knocking on 3928 theaters, Halloween could carve out $68 million.
A Star is Born [ASTAR] looks to maintain the second spot in its third weekend with about $18.5 million, ahead of Venom [VENM1] at $16 million.
First Man [FIRSM] failed to capture the mainstream audience, but should appeal to adult moviegoers looking for qualify work. The Oscar hopeful could hold 60% of its debut for a second trip around $9.5 million.
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween [GBUM2] is unlikely to hold as well as the first Goosebumps’ 66%. The sequel may decline 45% and finish near $9 million.
After earning $2.5 million in two weeks of limited release, The Hate U Give [HTUGV] expands wide to 2303 theaters. Amandla Stenberg [ASTEN] leads the PG-13 rated teen drama, which has earned rave reviews. The Hate U Give could deliver $7.5 million.
Fox Searchlight expands Old Man & the Gun [OMATG] wide to 802 theaters after three weeks of limited release. Targeted at seniors, the Robert Redford [RREDF] vehicle could attract $2 million.
The Sisters Brothers [TSBRO] also expands wide to 1141 theaters, but there's been more publicity on Annapurna's financially troubles. The western comedy may clear $1 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): HALW3, JLCUR, DGGRE, ASTAR, VENM1, FIRSM, GBUM2, HTUGV, ASTEN, OMATG, RREDF, TSBRO