Weekend Box Office Projections: ‘Den of Thieves 2’ Set to Dethrone ‘Mufasa’
The cinematic landscape is bracing for a shift in power as "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera," starring Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., gears up to potentially seize the top spot at the weekend box office. Industry forecasts suggest this action-packed crime thriller, a sequel to the 2018 hit, could rake in a substantial $15 million across 3,008 North American theaters, dethroning the reigning champion, "Mufasa: The Lion King." This projection hinges on the film’s ability to resonate with audiences seeking high-octane thrills and capitalize on the success of its predecessor.
"Mufasa: The Lion King," a live-action prequel to Disney’s 2019 remake of "The Lion King," has enjoyed a considerable reign atop the box office charts since its Christmas weekend debut. However, projections indicate a potential slip to the second position, with an estimated $11.7 million weekend gross from 3,620 domestic theaters. While this represents a decline, it would still contribute significantly to the film’s overall domestic earnings, projected to reach $187.2 million. The film’s continued success highlights the enduring appeal of the Lion King franchise, while its displacement emphasizes the dynamic nature of box office competition.
The battle for box office dominance continues with "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" projected to secure the third spot. This live-action/animated hybrid from Paramount Pictures is estimated to generate $8.67 million from 3,582 North American venues, pushing its cumulative domestic earnings past the $200 million mark. The consistent performance of the Sonic franchise demonstrates its ability to capture a broad audience, blending nostalgic appeal with contemporary animation techniques.
Focus Features’ "Nosferatu," a reimagining of the classic 1922 horror film directed by Robert Eggers, is anticipated to land in fourth place. Projections suggest a $6.3 million weekend haul from 3,082 theaters, adding to its impressive $81.3 million domestic total since its Christmas Day release. The film’s success reflects the enduring fascination with the horror genre and the appeal of revisiting cinematic classics through a modern lens.
Rounding out the projected top five is Disney’s animated sequel "Moana 2." Estimates point towards a $5.9 million weekend gross from 3,170 North American theaters, further bolstering its impressive $434.2 million domestic total since its November 27th premiere. The film’s sustained success underscores the strength of Disney’s animated offerings and their ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Beyond the top five, Roadside Attractions’ drama "The Last Showgirl" is making its presence felt with a projected top 10 debut. Estimates indicate a $1.35 million opening weekend from 870 North American theaters. The film’s release follows a strategic awards season campaign, culminating in Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for both star Pamela Anderson and supporting actress Jamie Lee Curtis. This recognition adds to the film’s buzz and could contribute to its box office performance.
Meanwhile, outside the top 10, the Robbie Williams biopic "Different Man" faces a more challenging debut. The Paramount Pictures release, opening in 1,291 theaters nationwide, is projected to earn $1.1 million in its domestic opening. While this may appear modest compared to the top contenders, the film’s performance will be closely monitored to gauge its potential for growth and its ability to connect with Williams’ fanbase and broader audiences.
These projections represent a snapshot of the dynamic and ever-shifting landscape of the weekend box office. The actual figures may vary as final numbers are tallied and released on Monday. However, the projected rankings offer a glimpse into the current trends and preferences of moviegoers, highlighting the diverse range of films vying for their attention. The weekend’s results will ultimately reflect the interplay of factors such as star power, genre appeal, critical reception, and effective marketing campaigns.
