October looks to continue being a record-trending month, as overall business looks to rocket ahead of this same weekend last year (which was led by the $26 million debut of Happy Death Day).
Here is the predicted Top 10:
#1: Venom ($34 million, -58%)
Superhero films usually don't have strong sophomore holds. And with only "OK" word-of-mouth among audiences, its' looking likely Venom will drop towards the higher end of that spectrum. That being said, however, the Spidey spin-off seems likely to earn enough to keep the top spot.
#2: First Man ($30 million)
While overall buzz has left quite a bit to be desired (and there's been a bit of controversy surrounding the pic), this biopic of one of America's most memorable historical figures (Neil Armstrong) looks likely to draw in older adults. There's awards season buzz circulating for this as well, as director Damien Chazelle makes the leap to big-budget studio filmmaking after his celebrated success La La Land. Space-themed films usually pull in strong business in October (look at Gravity and The Martian for further proof), and this shouldn't be much different, albeit on a smaller scale.
#3: A Star is Born ($24 million, -42%)
Fantastic word-of-mouth and no new options for females should allow Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper to continue pulling in strong business in its' sophomore frame.
#4: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween ($14 million)
Opening three years after the original Goosebumps earned $80 million domestically, this sequel arrives with a set of problems. One, almost none of the cast and crew are returning (save for Jack Black, who returns to play R.L. Stine). And two, there's quite a bit of competition for the family crowd. Ultimately, the first film did generate some goodwill and enjoyed a surprisingly leggy run for a Halloween-themed picture. Most sequels usually drop quite a bit, and this shouldn't be much different.
#5: Bad Times at the El Royale ($10.5 million)
This adult thriller has had some solid buzz over the past couple months, and benefits from a star-studded cast (Chris Hemsworth, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm and Jeff Bridges). In the end, however, a very crowded market for adults may keep it from breaking out.
#6: Smallfoot ($9 million, -40%)
The animated flick will have to deal with competition from Goosebumps, but it should continue to hold well as younger kids too young for scary(ish) films should still show up here.
#7: Night School ($6.5 million, -47%)
Kevin Hart's comedy should continue to play solidly, though it should continue its normal front-loaded ways.
#8: The House with a Clock in its Walls ($3.5 million, -52%)
Likely to take one of the weekend's biggest hits, thanks to another family scarefast opening this weekend (and you already know what it is).
#9: A Simple Favor ($2.5 million, -27%)
Following a bit of a drop last weekend, Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick should be able to keep their film stabilized this weekend thanks to no additional competition for females.
#10: The Hate U Give ($1.7 million, expanding)
After a strong limited debut last weekend, this well-received drama should be able to capitalize on its expansion to over 200 locations.
