Based on predictions, overall business should continue to stay ahead of this same weekend last year, which had The Hitman's Bodyguard open at #1 with $21 million.
Here is the projected Top 10:
#1: Crazy Rich Asians ($22 million, $27 million 5-day)
It is going to be very close, as Warner Bros. looks to try and take first and second place this weekend. There's a pretty good chance they will, as this book adaptation has tracked very strongly over the past few weeks. It's boasting a rare 100% Rotten Tomatoes score this early in advance. And the largely Asian-American cast will bring in a sector of the audience that is usually very under-represented in movie theaters. Don't be surprised if this PG-13 romcom overperforms even more.
#2: The Meg ($20 million, -54%)
Meanwhile, Warners will continue to have strong business from their shark movie. I'm expecting it to drop a little harder as audience reception hasn't been the greatest per se. But, it should continue to play decently over the coming weeks.
#3: Mile 22 ($18 million)
Mark Wahlberg is back this weekend as his latest action flick has been tracking well over the past month as well. Thanks to strong marketing and awareness, this should definitely tap into older male crowds. If there's anything that will likely hold this one back is that the R rating will keep younger audiences at bay.
#4: Mission: Impossible - Fallout ($11.5 million, -43%)
The strong word-of-mouth surrounding Ethan Hunt's latest escapade, plus the R rating of Mile 22 should keep Fallout the main attraction for younger action fans.
#5: Christopher Robin ($8 million, -36%)
Families have no real options, so Disney's Winnie the Pooh flick should have a much better hold than last weekend (Pete's Dragon was only off 34% in weekend three).
#6: BlackKklansman ($7.5 million, -31%)
This will be one to keep a close eye on. Spike Lee's latest is practically an awards contender opening in the late-summer months. Usually these films open in limited release and slowly grow. Here, this may be a case where the film holds strong in the coming weeks. We'll see.
#7: Alpha ($7 million)
Originally slated to open in March, Sony moved it to August as they haven't shown much confidence in the PG-13 survival thriller. It's been marketed on some family networks, but the PG-13 rating puts it out of bounds for younger viewers. Marketing has been fairly noticeable, but it's not really promising anything that's looking to bring in a strong crowd.
#8: Slender Man ($4.5 million, -60%)
The negative reception from audiences ("D-" CinemaScore) guarantees a sharp drop for the horror flick.
#9 (tie): Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again ($3.5 million, -40%)
While younger females will be distracted by Crazy Rich Asians, older females probably will find this film still more appealing. Look for a decent hold here.
#9 (tie): Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation ($3.5 million, -31%)
I'm giving this one the edge to stay in the Top 10 as there's no real competition for families coming up.
