Once again, this weekend is set to be a slow one as it is the calm before the Star Wars storm. One nationwide release and one expanding release, plus a bunch of appealing holdovers should keep audiences in their seats.
Here is the predicted Top 10:
#1: Coco ($18 million, -35%)
Pixar's latest should easily stay #1. With a stronger than expected post-Thanksgiving hold, this should bring in family audiences again before Star Wars and Ferdinand come in to compete for attention next weekend.
#2: Justice League ($10.5 million, -37%)
The superhero tentpole should see a solid hold with no added competition for its audience. In the meantime, it's likely those who want to see it before Star Wars hits theaters will likely see it this coming weekend.
#3: Wonder ($8.5 million, -30%)
Strong word of mouth and a lack of family competition will keep this one going strong over this weekend.
#4: Just Getting Started ($7 million)
The lone new wide release this weekend. This comedy features a strong cast including Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones and Rene Russo. How it will open will depend on reviews (which are not out yet) as well as the popularity of the actors involved. However, it's been only lightly marketed, so my forecast might be a little too generous.
#5: Thor Ragnarok ($6 million, -39%)
The Marvel threequel should have one last hurrah with audiences before Disney's own Star Wars: The Last Jedi takes several of its screens the next weekend.
#6 (tie): Daddy's Home 2 ($4.5 million, -41%)
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg's comedy might lose a little bit of its' audience to the new comedy (Just Getting Started) in the marketplace. But, it should continue to hold on solidly thanks to its' holiday theme.
#6 (tie): Murder on the Orient Express ($4.5 million, -34%)
A lack of compelling options for older adults should keep Express chugging along at a solid pace.
#8: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri ($4 million, -7%)
As of now, I don't know if this plans to expand further. But arthouse/awards season contenders usually hold strong, so I'm supposing this will have a marginal slide.
#9: Lady Bird ($3.5 million, -19%)
Same thoughts as #8. Though the Golden Globe nominations will be revealed next week, so we'll see how that affects it.
#10: The Star ($3 million, -27%)
With the Christmas theme and no additional family films opening this weekend, The Star should put up a strong hold as we head into mid-December.
Also, filmmaker biopic The Disaster Artist is expanding to around 800 locations after a spectacular start in just 19 locations last week. Look for it to possibly earn enough to break into the Top 10.
