Overall business looks to be down once again from last year.
Here is the predicted Top 10:
#1: A Wrinkle in Time ($43 million)
Disney still knows how to successfully market live-action fairy tales (of sorts). Their latest, Ava DuVernay's adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time should pull in a solid audience. However, a somewhat weird look and a lesser-known book to adapt will likely keep it from reaching the heights of previous fairy tale favorites such as Maleficent ($69 million) and The Jungle Book ($103 million). Reviews haven't been released yet, which will certainly play a factor in whether or not it excels. Right now, a debut in line with recent March family flicks such as The Boss Baby and The Croods seems pretty likely at this point.
#2: Black Panther ($32 million, -51%)
With Wrinkle taking the younger sector of its audience, Panther will probably drop a little harder than last weekend. However, the film should continue to pull in insane numbers in its fourth weekend. The worldwide gross is likely to hit $1 billion as well.
#3: Red Sparrow ($8 million, -53%)
In a distant third, Jennifer Lawrence's spy thriller looks to drop precipitously in the face of mixed word-of-mouth.
#4: Game Night ($7.5 million, -30%)
A lack of any real comedy competition should keep this one moving in its third weekend.
#5 (tie): Death Wish ($7 million, -46%)
The Bruce Willis action flick probably will not hold very well in the face of added competition and negative reviews.
#5 (tie): The Hurricane Heist ($7 million)
The action flick has received a decent marketing effort but buzz has been barely noticeable. It might pop a little higher if it picks up the pace later in the week, but I may be a little too generous here.
#7: Strangers 2: Prey at Night ($6.5 million)
The horror sequel that I've never heard of. Buzz is fairly decent for a minor release, but I don't see it getting above the mid-single digits. If it does, it will match the usual range for horror flicks ($8-11 million).
#8: Peter Rabbit ($5.5 million, -45%)
Added competition for families will likely cause Peter Rabbit to duck a heavier bullet (or should I say garden rake?) this weekend.
#9: Gringo ($3.5 million)
Starring David Oyelowo and Charlize Theron, this action comedy has received very little marketing and buzz from distributor STX Films. A very minor debut is to be expected.
#10: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle ($3 million, -34%)
It might get hit slightly by Wrinkle, but the 90's remake should make it a 12th-straight weekend in the Top 10.
