The MCU’s latest adventure, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” may have dropped 52.5% in its second weekend, but it still took in $35,786,000 domestically. Its domestic haul now sits at $145,601,141, which was enough to pass “The Incredible Hulk’s” domestic total. “Shang-Chi” may have saved the 2021 blockbuster slate, as “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” moved up to October 1, while “No Time To Die” seems to be staying put for their October 8 release date.
The only wide release this weekend was “Malignant,” directed by James Wan (“The Conjuring,” “Aquaman”). It was another day and date release from HBO Max, but only managed to take in $5,570,000. It did make another $9.5 million internationally, taking its full total to $15,070,000, but “Malignant” had a reported budget of $40 million and clearly has a long way to go if they hope to recoup that number.
“Free Guy” has officially passed the $100 million mark in its fifth weekend, while “Candyman” is closing in on $50 million domestically, now at a total of $48,032,280.
There were a number of limited releases this weekend. First was Paul Schrader’s “The Card Counter,” starring Oscar Isaac, Tye Sheridan, and William Dafoe. Schrader’s last film, “First Reformed,” opened to $97,562 but opened in only four theatres. “The Card Counter” had a larger opening, showing in 580 theatres this weekend. It took in $1.1 million and will have a good chance at topping “First Reformed’s” box office haul. A religious film, “Show Me the Father,” opened in 1,073 theatres to $700,000. “After We Fell” made $428,300, “The Aplinist” made $221,855 in 173 theatres, “Small Engine Repair” made $73,000 in 205 theatres, “Dating & New York” opened to $13,750, and “Azor” opened to $6,402.
“Shang-Chi” will likely continue success in its third weekend, with Copshop being the only wide release coming. “Cry Macho,” Clint Eastwood’s latest film, will be opening theatrically and on HBO Max beginning September 17. “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” being distributed by Searchlight Pictures, will also have a limited release next week. That film stars Jessica Chaistain and Andrew Garfield as televangelists Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker.
