A month after Marvel’s Black Widow utilized the day-n-date release strategy, DC’s The Suicide Squad [SUIC2] does the same with a hybrid release on HBO Max. The original Suicide Squad opened to $133.7 million 5 years ago with Will Smith and a PG-13 rating. The follow-up is rated R and without Will Smith. Warner Bros. hopes new director James Gunn will attract fans of the irreverent Guardians of the Galaxy films. Margot Robbie is back as fan favorite Harley Quinn. However, her R-rated Birds of Prey debuted with just $33.0 million last year just before the pandemic shutdown. Warner Bros.’ best opening of the day-n-date era is Godzilla vs. Kong’s $32.0 million. The Suicide Squad should be able to top that, with help from Thursday previews and exceptional reviews, which stands at 95% Fresh on RottenTomatoes. Diving into 4000 theaters, The Suicide Squad may take out $44 million.
Jungle Cruise [JUNGC] held up relatively well on Saturday and Sunday so Disney's day-n-date release should enjoy a second weekend drop closer to Cruella’s $49% than Black Widow’s 68% at around $18 million.
Old [OLD] looks to settle with $3.5 million in its third frame.
An arthouse film marketed as a mainstream fantasy, The Green Knight [GRNKN] will have poor word of mouth from moviegoers. The Green Knight could lose 55% from its debut to $3.2 million.
Matt Damon is taking a PR hit over his use of a gay slur, which won’t help Stillwater [STLWT] but sink 50% in its second weekend to $2.6 million.
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): SUIC2, JUNGC, OLD, GRNKN, STLWT