Overall business will likely fall way short of last year, when a little film called Incredibles 2 opened on top with a huge $182.7 million.
Here is the predicted Top 10:
#1: Men in Black - International ($48 million)
Sony is hoping their revamped version of this early 2000's franchise works, with mixed tracking signals heading into the weekend. There are a couple of big positives though. First, Sony has marketed the heck out of this movie with many tie-ins. Awareness is high. Also, Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth were cast out of drawing fans of Avengers: Endgame and Thor: Ragnarok (and the marketing has not been afraid of hinting at the former). However, overall buzz has left quite a bit to be desired. Ultimately, I think an opening more along the lines of Godzilla: King of the Monsters based on buzz seems likely here, with maybe better prospects overseas.
#2: The Secret Life of Pets 2 ($26 million, -45%)
The first Pets dropped 51% in its second weekend, but was coming off a far bigger opening and a more competitive arena for families. Pets 2 will have this weekend for families to catch up with it before Toy Story 4 launches. With that in mind, expect a better hold out of the sequel as it tries to make up some ground.
#3: Shaft ($20 million)
A second remake of sorts of a movie made all the way back in 1971 (the first remake following back in 2000), this movie brings in some nostalgia appeal as well as being the first outright R-rated action option for audiences in awhile. Of course, that rating will also hold it back. Buzz seems decent enough to get it to around $20 million, which is around the same number the previous remake opened to back 19 years ago.
#4: Aladdin ($15 million, -39%)
With no added competition for families, Disney's remake should have a solid hold ahead of Toy Story 4.
#5: Dark Phoenix ($13 million, -60%)
With negative reviews and not-so-hot word-of-mouth, look for this whimper of a finale to drop hard.
#6: Rocketman ($8.5 million, -39%)
While it isn't quite holding as well as one would hope, the lack of older audience options should help this biopic to hold well in its third weekend.
#7: Godzilla: King of the Monsters ($7 million, -55%)
Like its predecessor, this sequel is on track for a fast exit from theaters.
#8: Late Night ($6.5 million)
This is a tough one to predict. Coming off of a huge opening in limited release, Amazon Studios is hoping crowds will come out for their Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson comedy. Thankfully, there hasn't been much in the way of R-rated adult comedies lately. It's also earning strong reviews from critics. However, its' only opening in around 1,500 locations, which will make its breakout potential fairly limited. I think a $6-7 million debut sounds about right with hopes for a leggy run.
#9: Ma ($4 million, -49%)
Getting lost a bit in the midst of all the competition, this horror thriller will continue to likely fade fast.
#10: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum ($3.5 million, -53%)
With a new R-rated action flick on the block, Keanu Reeves and company will likely drop hard this week.
