After more than a year of anticipation, F9: The Fast Saga [FAST9] finally arrives to the rev up the domestic box office. Last spring at the start of the pandemic while other studios merely delayed their films for a few months, Universal wisely pushed the action sequel back for a year. Now with no theater capacity limits in 44 states, F9 will serve as the best barometer for the recovery of the theatrical business. Director Justin Lin returned to steer the franchise and he’s resurrected the fan-favorite Han, played by Sung Kang. F9 also introduces another addition to the Toretto family played by John Cena. Trailers show an over-the-top spectacle that fans have come to expect, but may be too fantastic for casual viewers.
F9 is unlikely to reach the debut of the previous installment The Fate of the Furious' $98.8 million in 2017, but should be able to top the spinoff Hobbs & Shaw’s $60 million opening in 2019. Advance ticket sales on Fandango are outpacing A Quiet Place Part II, which opened to $47.5 million. Riding into 4167 theaters, F9: The Fast Saga could hit $77 million.
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard [HTMB2] is likely to drop more than 55% in its second frame to about $5 million.
With F9 taking up more screens, A Quiet Place Part II [AQPL2.BW] may settle with $4.5 million. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway [PRAB2] should be able to clear $4 million during its third weekend.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.