The Gerard Butler/O’Shea Jackson Jr.-led sequel “stole” the box office crown for the second weekend of the new year, opening with $15.5 million. That narrowly surpasses its predecessor, which earned $15.3 million in its debut in 2018. This is another shrewd signal that Gerard Butler retains his standing as a box-office star, poignantly retaining the rights during a usual slowdown once the new year begins and with a solid retention for a conventional franchise standard. Technically speaking, he has four franchises that will continue to gain some legs (yes, that includes the Ship spinoff to Plane, provided he stars in it).
Much like we mentioned in our review that dropped this morning, this mimics more of the spirit of Miami Vice, which is a compliment as the sequel is understood to utilize Butler’s charisma more effectively with a coinciding lighter tone. With middle-of-the-road reviews and a B+ from CinemaScore, it could be good news if this can reach $85-90 million globally.
However, revenue is down slightly over 25% compared to last year. A possible reason is holiday fatigue, while the soaring wildfires on the West Coast have affected households and land rights. Prayers for the folks and their families on that side, and a sign that indicates good news needs to bounce back our way once a new administration takes the lead a little over a week from now on the MLK holiday.
In other news pertaining to the IP holdovers from last year, it appears the springs are about to let loose and entertain some records to slide under the distributors’ belts. Mufasa: The Lion King remained in second place for its fourth weekend, with $13.2 million domestically. That now puts the rebooted prequel shy of $550 million worldwide, and it will pass $200 million domestically by next weekend. As reiterated in the coronation of last year’s box office winners (and losers), Disney’s latest reboot prequel is another timorous sign about how not to use IP when it concomitantly ruptures the goodwill of the past. Snow White in March will either prove or disprove our suspicions.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 earned $11 million domestically in its fourth weekend. It has now sped past $200 million domestically and is nearing $400 million worldwide. Once it reaches $405 million, it will be the highest-earning film in the series thus far. Jim Carrey, shall we presume this means you’re ready for that next paycheck with the next installment? Nosferatu has passed $135 million worldwide, a good sign for the vampire thriller.
Moana 2 earned $6.5 million to round out the top five. It is days away from passing the $1 billion benchmark, and another sign that any of the buffoons that once preached for it to head straight to Disney+ should be walking out of the Mouse House as we speak. Oh, and Wicked will pass $700 million worldwide by the end of the day.
A Complete Unknown has passed $50 million domestically, Babygirl will pass $25 million worldwide by tonight, and newcomer Better Man flopped with its theatrical debut of $1.05 million domestically.
Next weekend sees the release of Wolf Man, One of Them Days, Alarum, Wish You Were Here, and Back in Action (on Netflix).
