Two new wide releases hope to continue the success of superhero and horror movies at the box office. Warner Bros. adapts one of the oldest comic property Shazam! [SHAZM] into a family-friendly action comedy. Zachary Levi [ZLEVI] stars as the superpowered alter-ego of a teenage boy. The PG-13 rated film has earned excellent reviews, which should entice moviegoers looking for a light-hearted take on a typically serious genre. Landing in 4260 theaters, Shazam! could zap $51 million.
Paramount remakes Pet Sematary [PETSM] based on the classic Stephen King novel. Buzz has been strong for the R-rated horror film, which premiered at SXSW to positive reviews. Showing in 3585 theaters, Pet Sematary could uncover $29 million.
Dumbo [DUMBO] did not fly as high as expected due to a mixed reception. Dumbo may decline 50% in its second weekend to $23 million.
Heading into its third weekend, Us [US] looks to gross another $17 million.
STX targets older moviegoers with the PG-13 rated drama The Best of Enemies [TBOEN] starring Taraji P. Henson [TPHEN] and Sam Rockwell [SROCK]. The similar themed Green Book opened wide in 1000 theaters with $5.5 million. Despite a higher theater count of 1705, however, The Best of Enemies has poorer reviews and may settle for $5 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): SHAZM, ZLEVI, PETSM, DUMBO, US, TBOEN, TPHEN, SROCK