Lionsgate wades into the CG-filled blockbuster season with the grounded R-rated action sequel John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum [WICK3] starring Keanu Reeves [KREEV] in his new signature role. Halle Berry [HBERR] joins the third film, which further expands the underworld of assassins, and the fanbase along with it. The first John Wick opened October 2014 to $14.4 million, while the sequel Chapter 2 debuted February 2017 with $30.4 million while legging out to finish at $92 million. Lionsgate had the confidence to schedule Chapter 3 – Parabellum in May. Advance buzz seems to indicate they made the right decision. Reviews are slightly better than its two predecessors. Loading up in 3850 theaters, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum could score $50 million.
After three weeks at the top, Avengers: Endgame [AVNG4] looks to settle for a fourth weekend around $28 million.
Even with its appeal to families, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu [PIKAC] may drop 50% to $27 million in its second weekend.
A Dog’s Journey [ADOG2] is Universal’s sequel to A Dog’s Purpose, which opened to $18.2 million in January 2017. However, the PG-rated film looks like a complete rehash of the first and unlikely to entice back many moviegoers. A Dog’s Journey could bring home $12 million from 3267 theaters.
The female-targeted comedy The Hustle [NSTYW] could hold 55% of its debut for a $7 million sophomore frame.
Warner Bros. courts the women under 25 quadrant with the PG-13 rated romance The Sun Is Also a Star [TSIAS] based on a popular novel. However, the film is only booked in 2073 theaters. The Sun Is Also a Star may light up just $6 million.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): WICK3, KREEV, HBERR, AVNG4, PIKAC, ADOG2, NSTYW, TSIAS