It’s been a relatively quiet couple of weeks at the box office, with Disney’sRalph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2scoring a rare threepeat last weekend, mostly due to a lack of competition, bringing in $16. 1 million. But that all changes this weekend as a new, very different kind of animated movie is going to find itself on top, as Sony’sSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versewill reign supreme. Also making their way to theaters this weekend areMortal EnginesandThe Mule, both of which have very different outlooks.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which features the Miles Morales version of the character front and center alongside an older Peter Parker, has scored rave reviews thus far, currently sitting at a 99 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That, coupled with the general love for the character, will help Sony’s animated superhero flick win the weekendbox officewith a take of around $30 million, based on projections. Though, some estimates have it getting much closer to the $40 million range and, with the positive buzz, that’s not too tough to believe.
Another newcomer this weekend has its sights set on the number two spot as Clint Eastwood’s drug smuggling dramaThe Mulelooks to bring in between $15 and $20 million to start off its run. While Eastwood’s movies are often seen as awards season contenders, in this case, Warner Bros. simply views this as a crowd-pleaser. Eastwood returns in front of the camera this time as a drug running mule working for the cartel who is pushing 90-years-old in the crazy based on real-life tale. Bradley Cooper co-stars in the movie.
On the other end of the spectrum isMortal Engines, which is a massive CGI blockbuster that hails from producer Peter Jackson ofLord of the Ringsfame. Directed by Christian Rivers, the movie comes with a massive $100 million price tag and, unfortunately, this likely isn’t going to be the franchise starter that Universal was hoping for. Estimates on the low end have it bringing in just $10 million, with even the most optimistic projections around $17 million. This could be duking it out withRobin Hoodas the biggest blockbuster flop of 2018, when all’s said and done.
While it likely won’t crack the top five, Fox hasOnce Upon a Deadpoolin theaters this weekend, which opened last night. The PG-13 take on Deadpool 2, which features Fred Savage taking on a similar role to the one he had inThe Princess Bride, has been met with a mixed reception, but should help the studio cash in further on the hit sequel.
Rounding out the top five will be a pair of animated holdovers in the form ofRalph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2(around $12 million) andThe Grinch(around $11 million). Also opening this week in limited release isIf Beale Street Could Talk, which comes fromMoonlightdirector Barry Jenkins and is positioned as an Oscar hopeful. Sony also has an Oscar hopeful inCapernaumopening on a few screens. Last, but not least, is the very controversialThe House That Jack Builtfrom Lars Von Trier, opening on 30 screens. Be sure to check out our full list of weekend box office predictions and check back with us on Sunday for the top ten estimates. These numbers were provided by Box Office Mojo.
