THE WIDER SCOPE
‘The Equalizer 3′ is slated to effortlessly rule the domestic box office leaderboards, aiming for a grand total of $35 million in its opening weekend. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.’ ‘Barbie’ securely bags the runner-up position and sails past the $600 million domestic threshold, leaving ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ in its wake as this year’s top-grossing film. ‘Blue Beetle,’ while securing the third place, garners tepid attention, especially within the fanbase of the DC Extended Universe and its forthcoming DC Universe reboot. Its current domestic earnings are a modest $57 million.
Last weekend, the battle for box office supremacy was more thrilling than a final round in ‘Mortal Kombat,’ but the competition is notably more subdued this time. ‘The Equalizer 3’ is set to easily dominate the charts during its first weekend, defying pre-release forecasts. The action flick is targeting a haul of $35 million over the standard three-day weekend and may even rake in $43 million considering the extended four-day Labor Day holiday. If that happens, we’re looking at the second most lucrative Labor Day debut ever, trailing only ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ with its mammoth $94 million premiere a few years back.
Denzel Washington returns to the screen, playing retired Marine Robert McCall in ‘The Equalizer 3,’ and let’s just say he’s not ready for bingo nights yet. The film opened with $13 million on Friday after pulling in $3.8 million from Thursday sneak peeks. The movie series, all directed by Antoine Fuqua—the man who steered Washington to Oscar glory in ‘Training Day’—has been an unforeseen success. The inaugural film in 2014 garnered $101 million domestically and $192 million globally, and the sequel, released four years later, did similar numbers—$102 million domestically and $190 million globally.
Switching gears to the enduring blockbuster ‘Barbie,’ Warner Bros. has another reason to pop champagne bottles. Coming in second this weekend, the film is projected to pull in $10 million during its seventh weekend. With $2.5 million made just on Friday, it’s also eclipsed the life-long earnings of ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie,’ proving that plastic isn’t so fantastic—it’s legendary.
FIERCE CONTEST FOR BRONZE
Warner Bros. is basically hoarding the medals podium, as ‘Blue Beetle’ is also theirs and expected to occupy the third slot this weekend. On its third Friday, the superhero flick earned $1.5 million, targeting $6.4 million for the three-day span and $8.3 million for the extended weekend. While not an outright flop, let’s just say that compared to its DC Universe brethren, ‘Blue Beetle’ is the superhero that arrived too late for the fight and missed out on all the action.
Last week’s victor, ‘Gran Turismo,’ is not fading into the rearview mirror quietly. It is estimated to grab $6.5 million over three days and potentially $8 million over the extended frame. Yes, another nail-biter is on the cards. Directed by Neill Blomkamp, the movie—billed rather unusually as a ‘fact-based inspirational sports drama’—will struggle to even touch the $30 million domestic total by Monday.
In fifth place, Universal’s ‘Oppenheimer’ pulled in $1.3 million this past Friday, reaching a running domestic sum of $304 million. Keep your eyes peeled, Christopher Nolan fans: by the end of the weekend, the three-hour behemoth is likely to surpass the $850 million threshold, making it Nolan’s third most successful film, just edging out ‘Inception.’ Keep it locked on FilmSweep for all the latest deets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Domestic Box Office Report
What movie is expected to top the domestic box office this weekend?
‘The Equalizer 3,’ starring Denzel Washington, is expected to effortlessly dominate the domestic box office this weekend with a projected $35 million haul.
Who directed ‘The Equalizer 3,’ and what’s notable about this collaboration?
Antoine Fuqua directed ‘The Equalizer 3.’ This marks another collaboration between Fuqua and Denzel Washington; the duo previously worked together on ‘Training Day,’ which earned Washington an Oscar.
How is Warner Bros.’ ‘Barbie’ performing at the box office?
Warner Bros.’ ‘Barbie’ is holding strong at the second spot on the domestic box office charts. It’s projected to earn $10 million in its seventh weekend and has already crossed the $600 million domestic milestone.
Is ‘Blue Beetle’ performing well at the box office?
‘Blue Beetle’ has had a lackluster performance, securing the third spot but failing to generate significant interest, especially among DC Extended Universe fans. Its running domestic total is a modest $57 million.
What film had the biggest Labor Day debut ever?
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ holds the record for the biggest Labor Day debut, with a staggering $94 million opening.
Who grabbed the fourth and fifth spots on the box office charts?
The fourth spot is occupied by last week’s winner, ‘Gran Turismo,’ with a projected earning of around $8 million over the extended weekend. The fifth spot is held by Universal’s ‘Oppenheimer,’ aiming for a total domestic earning of $304 million by the end of the weekend.
Is Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ a box office success?
Yes, ‘Oppenheimer’ is doing well at the box office, pulling in a running domestic total of $304 million. By the end of the weekend, the film is expected to cross the $850 million mark globally, making it Nolan’s third most successful film, just ahead of ‘Inception.’
What are the projected earnings for ‘The Equalizer 3’ over the extended four-day Labor Day weekend?
‘The Equalizer 3’ is expected to earn around $43 million over the extended four-day Labor Day weekend, making it the second biggest Labor Day debut if it meets projections.
How are films generally performing this year compared to previous years?
The article does not provide information on how films are performing this year in comparison to previous years.
What was last week’s box office like in terms of competition?
Last week saw a more eventful race for the top spot, with ‘Gran Turismo’ throwing down against Warner Bros.’ ‘Barbie,’ ultimately taking the first spot. This week is expected to be less dramatic, with ‘The Equalizer 3’ likely to take the lead comfortably.
More about Domestic Box Office Report
- The Equalizer 3 Official Site
- Warner Bros. Box Office Hits
- DC Extended Universe Films
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Box Office Data
- Gran Turismo Movie Details
- Oppenheimer’s Box Office Success
- Christopher Nolan’s Filmography
- Labor Day Box Office Records
- Training Day Oscar Win
- FilmSweep Movie Updates
10 comments
Barbie beating Mario is the plot twist of the year. Didn’t see that coming at all. Wonder what’s next, a Lego movie beating Avengers? Oh wait, that actually could happen haha.
Wow, didn’t see that comin’. The Equalizer 3 topping the box office? That’s kinda epic, y’know. Denzel still got it!
Equalizer 3 second biggest Labor Day debut ever? Seriously? Need to chk those numbers. Shang-Chi’s opening was unreal.
Gran Turismo struggling? Should’ve sticked to being a game. Some things just shouldn’t be adapted, period.
omg Barbie is slayin! Over 600 mil domestic. Take that, Mario! Who knew a doll could rule the box office lol.
Oppenheimer passing the 850 million mark? Christopher Nolan’s just printing money at this point.
Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington together again? That’s gotta be like, a dream team for action movies. First Training Day and now a trilogy? awesome.
No mention of any music-themed movies?? what’s up with that. Can’t be the only one waiting for the next big musical hit.
Labor Day weekend looks sorted with Equalizer 3. Take my money, just take it!
Blue Beetle not doing so hot, huh? I mean, cmon DC, get your act together. Fans need somethin to rally behind, and this ain’t it.