Fans pulled into theaters in droves this weekend for the return of some very infamous royals. Downton Abbey had been earning strong pre-sales and seemed destined for first place. And it not only won, but raced out in front with a strong $31 million debut (very good $10,068 per-venue average). Many analysts were a bit concerned about the show's older-skewing fanbase coming out more later in its run, but that apparently wasn't the case here. Downton played more like a blockbuster over the weekend, front-loaded after its' $13.8 million Friday start. That could point to a fast fade, but an "A" CinemaScore and very good reviews could prove otherwise. Thankfully, the budget was a light $20 million, so this is already a profitable venture. For distributor Focus Features, this was their biggest opening in history, ahead of Insidious - Chapter 3 ($22 million). Analysts predicted anywhere between $20 and $25 million for the weekend.Estimates for the other two new releases were within $200,000 of each other, so their order could definitely change when actuals are reported tomorrow.
For now, though, its Ad Astra in second. The space drama matched expectations with $19.2 million (mild $5,552 per-venue average). That's ahead of First Man's $16 million debut last year, but far behind other space films like Gravity ($55 million), The Martian ($52 million) and Interstellar ($47 million). With a lot of options for adults this weekend, business could only be spread out so far. The hope here for Fox (or Disney, since they acquired distribution rights when the Fox merger was complete) is that the Brad Pitt film will hold well in the weeks ahead with some awards season buzz building. That won't be easy, as the film received a mixed "B-" CinemaScore (and that's in the face of very solid reviews). Next weekend only opens a PG-rated animated film, while first weekend of October looks like it could provide some strong competition. Overseas, the film got off to a bit of a disconcerting start with just $27 million from 44 markets. However, there's still some territories to open. The film was projected to open anywhere between $15 and $20 million and was produced for close to $100 million (with re-shoots).
Meanwhile, Sylvester Stallone reprised as one of his most famous characters one last time as Rambo: Last Blood didn't quite match expectations, but was no slouch either. Opening to $19 million, it averaged a decent $5,256 per-venue. That was slightly ahead of the last Rambo movie ($18.2 million from back in 2008), is the second-biggest debut of the series (unadjusted for inflation, of course), and is also among Stallone's biggest openings of recent memory. It also isn't bad in the face of a $50 million budget. Audiences gave the film a "B" CinemaScore, in the face of largely negative reviews. Being a film that plays more to Stallone's fanbase, this film may be a fast fade, or it could hold decently in the next week or so with not much options for older males. Last Blood didn't open overseas, and isn't expected to make much of an impact there. Analysts and distributor Lionsgate predicted a $20-25 million debut this weekend.With new options opening for adults, It: Chapter 2 fell 57% in its third weekend to $17.2 million. The horror sequel continues to play solidly (if not exactly spectacularly), with $179.2 million in 17 days. Next weekend should bring a lighter hold. Overseas, its' earned over $200 million so far for a worldwide gross approaching $400 million. Meanwhile, Hustlers was off 49% in its second frame to $17 million, for a very solid $62.6 million gross in 10 days. The breakout looks to hold stronger in the coming weeks due to not much competition for females the next month.
Beyond that, the rest of the Top 10 was filled with summer holdovers all under $3 million. The Lion King was still in the Top 10 in its 10th weekend, down just 30% to $2.6 million. The blockbuster is at $537.6 million in 70 days, and over $1.6 billion worldwide as it tries to sneak up on Jurassic World ($1.671 billion) for 10th place on the all-time chart. Good Boys followed, off 41% to $2.5 million. At $77.3 million in six weeks, the R-rated comedy continues to play solidly.
With direct competition from Rambo, Angel Has Fallen fell 47% in its fifth weekend to $2.4 million, for a very good $64.7 million gross in one month of release. A $70 million final gross would be very good for a franchise finale. It's also earned $55 million overseas so far. Overcomer also earned a fifth-straight week in the Top 10, as the faith-based flick was down 45% to $1.5 million. The Kendrick Brothers have earned $31.6 million in one month of release and should be able to edge past Courageous' $34.5 million final gross for second place among their line-up behind War Room ($68 million).
Rounding out the list in its eighth week is Hobbs and Shaw. The Fast and Furious spin-off was down 48% to $1.46 million, for a pretty decent $170.6 million pick-up in 56 days. However, the real strength for this movie has been overseas, where it passed $200 million in China and $750 million worldwide. That definitely gives Universal a sigh of relief against a $200 million budget.
And that's about it. Speaking of Universal, they carry next weekend's lone wide release. Its' the latest from DreamWorks Animation, Abominable, which will hope to outperform last year's animated yeti tale Smallfoot. Look for a predictions post on Thursday. :)
