Not that anyone needs further elucidation about why movies won’t precisely shoot up a storm when the Super Bowl comes around, but tentpoles could’ve relaxed a bit more for this weekend. Especially when looking at the re-release of Titanic to celebrate 25 years. Oh, and James Cameron did his math and revealed that Rose and Jack could’ve survived; many apologies Mr. DiCaprio, as it seems pop culture might have more fun with this revelation.
Funnily enough, the only reason why Avatar: The Way of Water is not in 3rd place (yet) for the track record regarding the highest global films is because of the reissue of the epic romance-disaster film. The latter now stands at $2.217 billion, while the follow-up for blue CGI Pandora sits right behind at $647 million domestic and $2.213 billion. So, James Cameron is locked in a squabble for the third-biggest movie ever because of James Cameron. Jordan Peele sends his regards (Get Out and Us earned $255 million worldwide), along with Marvel for Spider-Man: Far From Home and Captain Marvel (hovering around $1.131 billion). And for funsies, Spielberg had another exciting case in 1982 when E.T. and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark were in the top two spots.
Avatar 2 bounced back to 2nd place in its ninth weekend, so when the time comes, it will eventually be acquiring the bronze. And once that occurs, Zoe Saldana will have her foot in the door for the three highest-grossing features in history. We’re still most likely looking at a domestic finish of around $700 million and a global cume of $2.35-2.4 billion.
Magic Mike’s Last Dance would’ve made more of an impact at opening first this weekend, but A) it opened in only 1500 theaters and B) the original plan for it to head straight to HBO Max might’ve hurt consumers’ interests in validating a trip to their local cinema. Understandably, Monday and Tuesday (Valentine’s Day) won’t hurt initial legs, and more locations added next weekend would help. However, with Marvel’s track record, the best hope is it doesn’t plunge for its second weekend to hurt any chance of post-legs. If House Party (and maybe Evil Dead Rises) utilize this strategy, it could work in getting the word out, “This film released this weekend, but next weekend, you’ll have a much higher chance of witnessing it!”
80 for Brady took in $6 million in its second weekend, with the drop being a little harsher than expected. Cue arguments for the Super Bowl or Magic Mike, but it’ll still live up to its name for the (retired?) football player. Speaking of harsh drops, Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin fell 61% in its second weekend, putting it at $23.4 million domestic. Dave Bautista’s obstinate performance is one massive advantage in another mediocre outing from the filmmaker, which will end up between $60-70 million worldwide once all is said and done. So, it’s not a smash like Old, but it’ll be good enough for an R-rated original.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish took in $5.5 million for a $158 million domestic and $393 million worldwide. Still legging like The Greatest Showman, we’re looking at it to reach between $425 million once all is said and done. A Man Called Otto will reach $100 million domestically alongside M3GAN. Missing passed the domestic cume of its predecessor, meaning a threequel is likely. Not too shabby for a film that would’ve gone directly to streaming if it were a year or two ago.
Next weekend sees the return of Marvel with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the kickoff of Phase 5.
