The horror sequel “Halloween Kills” is expected to top the U.S. box-office this weekend with the R-rated slasher film snagging approximately $4.9 million in Thursday night previews.
The film is reportedly on track to score a domestic opening of around $35-40 million, significantly less than the $76.2 million of its 2018 predecessor. Economics wise it is of little issue though as its $20 million budget means it’ll be in profit in just days.
The reasonings for the drop are multiple, from the movie being simultaneously available via the Peacock streaming service, to the reviews which are mixed-poor as compared to the 2018’s revival good ones, to the ongoing pandemic and its challenges for any film that isn’t Marvel.
Indeed, the box-office is proving challenging for non-comic book fare. Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel” also opens this week and despite its pedigree, good reviews and name stars, the film is expected to open at under or around $10 million and made just $350,000 in Thursday night previews.
Even James Bond is having a difficult time That movie came in slightly under expectations at $55 million last weekend and is reportedly targeting a $25 million second outing. With its $250 million budget and at least $100 million to promote, it’s been reported the film will have to earn at least $800 million to be in profit.
Bond is always biggest internationally where it’s doing gangbusters but even so, the global total (including the U.S.) as of mid-week was $330 million with only China and Australia left to open.
Source: Variety
