Just as the multiplex received a boost two years ago, Taylor Swift returns to help speed up numbers again. This coincides with the release of her 12th studio album, released under her title, so it kicks off the promotional campaign for The Life of a Showgirl. Now, in hindsight, one could easily validate this as more of a post-theatrical DVD follow-up after The Eras Tour, given that this only amassed a $33 million domestic debut, whereas The Eras Tour took $37.7 million on its Friday release date alone (and $93 million in its opening weekend). But, minor nitpicking aside, the expectation for numbers was more justified this time around (even if one forgoes any political ties). It may end its run around $60 million domestically, which would be on par with the notoriously terrible Joker: Folie a Deux and Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds in Concert in 2008.
Meanwhile, no one really cared what The Rock was cooking in his latest anomaly, as he attempted to break away from the monotonous game of big-budgeted IP features and deliver The Smashing Machine, based on the life of MMA/UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Yes, great buzz and tears ensued at the Venice Film Festival. Still, it was depressingly muted elsewhere despite the rich marketing stating this was Johnson’s best performance or a revelation of sorts. Yes, it received positive reviews, but much like we stated in our review, it’s a film bandaged together with the greatest hits and nothing more nurturing. So a $6 million debut for A24 means it’ll earn even less than Zack Efron’s The Iron Claw, and it tiptoed past Death of a Unicorn‘s debut. A simple bit of irony for a fighter having to come to terms with defeat inside the ring. Does this mean Dwayne Johnson is out for the awards season? Not necessarily, but much like when we covered Black Adam and Red One, he no longer has the drawing power to bring folks back to the theaters.
Leonardo DiCaprio is in a similar boat, with his One Battle After Another taking in $11.12 million in its second weekend and passing $100 million worldwide. Yes, it’s a better hold than Killers of the Flower Moon, but a long shot compared to what DiCaprio could bring in from the 2010s. It might get past $150 million worldwide, but it’s still going to be a bust for Warner Bros., which has been doing favorably well in the 2025 season with excellent originals and some specific reintroductions to IP.
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie took a 62% drop in its second weekend, taking only $5.2 million. The Conjuring: Last Rites has surpassed $458 million worldwide, demonstrating that the horror series still has tremendous drawing power. It’ll probably end its run around $475-480 million. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle has surpassed $125 million domestically.
Avatar: The Way of Water re-released in theaters with $3.194 million. Good Boy debuted to $2.253 million. The Strangers: Chapter 2 has passed $10 million domestically.
Next weekend sees the release of Tron: Ares, Roofman, After the Hunt, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Fairyland, and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
