Audiences have spoken and Suicide Squad‘s box office returns are thankful for what they had to say. The DCEU adventure trounced its bad reviews (Nick thought it was pretty good) and posted a record-breaking opening weekend. Fans showed up in droves to support the villain-led action film. Word-of-mouth seems more on the positive side – Suicide Squad posted a B+ CinemaScore – and competition is light for these next few weeks. If Suicide Squad can ride it out, it could be taking in a sizable haul before its run is done.
The other new release, Nine Lives, was relegated to the litter box. Debuting in the #6 spot, this hairball will be disappearing from theaters fairly soon. With Pete’s Dragon cornering the family market next week, don’t expect for Nine Lives to be sticking around.
A few tidbits from the box office numbers:
- Suicide Squad topped the previous August opening weekend record holder by more than $40 million. That record used to belong to Guardians of the Galaxy. Hold onto that victory while you can, DC.
- Suicide Squad also squeaked by Deadpool‘s opening weekend haul of $132 million. As far as the numbers go, it’s a good time to be a DC fan.
The Numbers Game
Each week, I will guess how much wide-release films will be making on their opening weekend. My estimates come from my heart and my gut. You’d think I’d use my brain but that makes far too much sense. Fandom editor Nick Nunziata will also be providing his guesses because two stabs in the dark are better than one.
Last Week:
Suicide Squad
My Guess: $129,000,000
Nick’s Guess: $115,000,000
Actual: $135,105,000
Result: Never doubt the Squad. This is an incredible win for WB/DC. Hope it holds over to next weekend.
Nine Lives
My Guess: $7,000,000
Nick’s Guess: $12,000,000
Actual: $6,500,000
Result: Meowch. However, this kitty’s pain is my pleasure. Only off by half a million!
This week:
Pete’s Dragon
Disney’s track record with their recent remakes has been more hit than miss. However, Pete’s Dragon has a lot less name recognition than Cinderella or The Jungle Book. The early buzz has been fantastic but has it been enough? Pete’s Dragon will benefit from the lack of new family content, but it may fall a little short of its expectations.
My guess: $37,000,000
Nick’s guess: $45,000,000
Sausage Party
Adult animation always has a tough time reaching an audience, but Seth Rogen‘s name and a strong commercial presence might help boost Sausage Party‘s opening weekend. 2016 has had a few ribald comedies but Sausage Party is offering something very different. Early reviews have been glowing but the R rating will probably mean lots of kids buying tickets to a different movie and sneaking in to see Sausage Party. Here’s hoping some adults help this one out.
My guess: $22,000,000
Nick’s guess: $17,000,004
Florence Foster Jenkins
The Oscar bait begins. Meryl Streep is usually a guaranteed draw to older audiences, but that guarantee has slipped in recent years. The true story aspect will probably draw in some more curious viewers. However, the entire premise of listening to a bad singer could prove to be unexpectedly grating. Still, older audiences aren’t being catered to right now so this could get a decent opening.
My guess: $13,000,000
Nick’s guess: $5,000,000
See you next week, box office buddies!
Source: Box Office Mojo
