After a strong start to April, things look like they will come back to earth this weekend as four more moderate releases will hope to make an impact. However, with Rampage and A Quiet Place combining for near $70 million last weekend, I don't expect this frame to live up to this same weekend last year.
Here's the projected Top 10:
#1: Shazam ($28 million, -48%)
With solid word-of-mouth and no added competition, look for DC's latest to post a lighter hold than usual for superhero flicks. In this case, the high 40's to near 50%. Of course, if it pulls in more families over the weekend, it could very well hold stronger.
#2: Little ($16 million)
Out of all four new releases, this one stands the best chance at breaking out. An African-American-centered PG-13 comedy. There's been just about no comedies in the marketplace as of late, which helps tremendously. Distributor Universal and Will Packer have been wildly successful at bringing in solid crowds before, and I don't expect predictably bad reviews to drag this one down either. It could even approach $20 million if word-of-mouth gets out.
#3: Hellboy ($14 million)
This latest reboot of the niche horror comic has been heavily-marketed, but it hasn't generated a lot of excitement. Being R-rated as well might alienate some of its potential audience. If there's a chance at breaking out, it could be from some males wanting a more violent comic book movie. I think a mid-teens millions debut should suffice more here, which would still be considered disappointing.
#4: Missing Link ($11 million)
The latest entry from Laika Studios, Missing Link enters a marketplace that has had plenty of options recently for families. Laika definitely has a fanbase, and the film does boast the voice talents of Hugh Jackman and Zoe Saldana. However, stop-motion animation has a hard time pulling in a strong audience nowadays, and the marketing has landed more bizarre than enticing for younger moviegoers. At this point, I would expect a debut close to their most recent effort Kubo and the Two Strings ($12.5 million).
#5: Pet Sematary ($11 million, -55%)
As usual for horror flicks, this remake will probably suffer a typical drop above 50%. That being said, the Paramount release is still performing quite well.
#6: Dumbo ($10.5 million, -42%)
Disney's latest remake will face minor competition from Missing Link for kids, but should stabilize from last weekend's alarming 60% drop. That being said, its' still not on a good track for a Mouse House production.
#7: Us ($8.5 million, -39%)
With Hellboy not really appealing to the horror market too much, Jordan Peele's latest should stabilize nicely this weekend.
#8: Captain Marvel ($7.5 million, -40%)
As Avengers: Endgame draws closer, Marvel's latest superhero should continue to level off very nicely as the Spring season continues.
#9: After ($4 million)
The final new release of the weekend is a book adaptation. Based on the young adult novel, After has received decent marketing and will appeal to an older teenage audience not interested in superheroes. However, Little will likely pull in some of those same teenagers and overall buzz hasn't been impressive. Don't expect much here.
#10: The Best of Enemies ($3 million, -32%)
There's one thing this underperformer can boast. It appeals to an older audience that won't be interested in most of the other films in the list. That being said, despite having low numbers, this should see a solid sophomore hold.
