Two more sequels join the 2019 summer season as studios look to breathe new life into old franchises. Sony relaunches Men In Black: International [MIB4] without the original stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The latest installment reunites Chris Hemsworth [CHEMS] with Thor: Ragnarok co-star Tessa Thompson [TTHOM] with hopes their chemistry would carry over from the $122.7 million opener. However, their starpower is limited outside the Marvel brand. MIB3 starring Smith and Jones debuted with $54.6 million in 2012. Anticipation is low for the fourth film as the sci-fi series lacks the nostalgia factor. Beaming into 4224 theaters, Men In Black: International could zap $33 million.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 [PETS2] proved to be an unnecessary sequel, but the family-friendly film should still hold better than 50% of its debut for a $25 million sophomore frame.
19 years after Shaft opened with $21.7 million, Samuel L. Jackson [SLJAC] returns in a sequel also titled Shaft [SHAF2]. The R-rated actioner will likely only bring out older male fans, rather than connect with younger millennials. Cranked in 2952 theaters, Shaft may pump out $21 million.
The franchise fatigue suffered by Dark Phoenix [XMEN7] was worse than expected. The previous installment X-Men: Apocalypse dropped 65% in its second weekend. A similar decay would put Dark Phoenix around $12.0 million.
Amazon expands Late Night [LATNT] wide to 2218 theaters after averaging $61K in 4 theaters last weekend. The R-rated comedy has earned excellent reviews and built up buzz through word of mouth screenings. Late Night could tally $5 million.
Focus Features targets Bill Murray [BMURR] fans with the R-rated zombie comedy The Dead Don’t Die [TDDDI]. However, the film may be too indie for mainstream moviegoers as reviews are mixed. The Dead Don’t Die could dig up $2 million from 601 theaters.
That’s the whisper on the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): MIB4, CHEMS, TTHOM, PETS2, SLJAC, SHAF2, XMEN7, LATNT, BMURR, TDDDI
