Here's a look at the Top 10:
#1: The Martian ($52 million)
#2: Hotel Transylvania 2 ($30 million, -38%)
#3: Sicario ($14 million)
#4: The Intern ($11 million, -38%)
#5: Everest ($7.5 million, -43%)
#6: The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials ($7 million, -52%)
#7: Black Mass ($6 million, -46%)
#8: The Visit ($4 million, -40%)
#9: War Room ($3 million, -29%)
The Walk ($3 million)
The Martian got off to a strong $2.5 million start on Thursday night, which outpaces Gravity ($1.4 million) through the same point. However, Thursday night preview screenings weren't common back then. However, reviews for Ridley Scott's outer-space thriller have been through-the-roof (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), with some possible Oscar buzz. Hollywood has seemingly put out at least one major outer space thriller each year, with Gravity and Interstellar (to a smaller extent in the long run) both faring well with openings in the $50-55 million range, a number that wouldn't be surprising for this to reach. Gravity currently has the October opening weekend record at $55.7 million, and that record is currently in danger of being broken.
Sicario is benefiting from a strong limited opening last week. But the added competition from adults won't help it. However, with solid Oscar buzz and terrific reviews (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), the Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro flick is headed for a solid start overall. It could over-perform if buzz continues to be strong, but the R rating will hold back some audiences as well.
The Walk opened in 448 IMAX locations on Wednesday, and has earned $430,000 so far in two days. As far as the weekend is concerned, it probably won't fare nearly as well as Everest ($7 million IMAX 3D start), but a five-day start in the $3-4 million range would be OK as it prepares for its nationwide expansion next weekend. Walk boasts very good reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a little bit of Oscar buzz.
After breaking the September opening weekend record, little-to-no competition for families (The Walk is rated PG, but it probably won't draw in younger kids) will keep Hotel Transylvania 2 holding well. The Intern should also benefit from no competition for older audiences. Meanwhile, The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials will not be helped at all by The Martian. Everest will also have a hard time, as it loses IMAX 3D screens to The Walk, but we'll see how far word-of-mouth carries it.
Black Mass looks to get lost in the midst of all the competition for adults. Meanwhile, The Visit and War Room will benefit from no additional competition for their respective genres.
