Box office buzz: ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ reigns supreme
A spooky success story
The ghost with the most is back, and he’s not just haunting the box office—he’s dominating it. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has retained its top spot on the domestic charts for the second weekend in a row. This Tim Burton sequel has captivated audiences, pulling in $14.4 million on Friday alone and is projected to gross over $50 million for the weekend. With a total domestic gross now surpassing $150 million, it has already cracked the top 10 North American releases of the year, surpassing “It Ends With Us” ($142 million). For those who haven’t yet experienced the paranormal comedy, you can catch a glimpse of the madness in the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice trailer.
New horror contender: ‘Speak No Evil’
Universal’s latest horror offering, “Speak No Evil”, is making waves as a strong runner-up. The film, starring James McAvoy, has garnered $4.9 million from 3,375 locations across Friday and preview screenings. This positions it well for a $10 million to $13 million opening weekend. Directed by James Watkins, this Blumhouse Productions thriller is a remake of a Danish film from two years ago. With a modest budget of $15 million, the film’s strong reviews and a B+ grade from CinemaScore suggest it could be a sleeper hit. Check out the Speak No Evil trailer to see what the buzz is about.
A controversial entry: ‘Am I Racist?’
Also opening this weekend is the conservative-leaning “Am I Racist?”, led by internet commentator Matt Walsh. The film, which adopts a prank format similar to “Borat,” aims to expose leaders of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It grossed $1.9 million across Friday and preview screenings and is projected to land in fourth place with a $4.6 million opening. Despite not screening for critics, the film has resonated with its target audience, earning an A grade on CinemaScore. Whether it can spark broader conversations remains to be seen. For a sneak peek, watch the Am I Racist? trailer.
Assassin action: ‘The Killer’s Game’
Lionsgate’s “The Killer’s Game”, starring Dave Bautista, has had a less impressive debut. The film earned an estimated $1 million across Friday and preview screenings and is looking at an opening below $5 million. Reviews have been lukewarm, and CinemaScore gave it a B+. This continues a rocky streak for Lionsgate, following the underwhelming performances of “Borderlands” and “The Crow”. Despite the star power of Bautista, the film has struggled to find its footing. Watch the The Killer’s Game trailer to judge for yourself.
Marvel’s staying power: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
Disney’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” continues to hold strong in the top five, likely landing in third place after earning $1.4 million on Friday. Now in its eighth weekend, the Marvel Studios multiverse mash-up is winding down its run but remains a significant player in the market. The film is on the verge of surpassing “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” ($620 million) to become the 15th-highest grossing domestic release of all time. Next up on its hit list is “The Avengers” at $623 million. For those who haven’t yet seen this superhero comedy, check out the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer.
Final thoughts
This weekend’s box office highlights the diverse tastes of moviegoers, from the nostalgic charm of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” to the chilling thrills of “Speak No Evil”. The controversial “Am I Racist?” and the action-packed “The Killer’s Game” add to the mix, while “Deadpool & Wolverine” continues to prove the enduring appeal of superhero films. Each of these films offers something unique, catering to different segments of the audience. Whether you’re a fan of horror, comedy, action, or social commentary, there’s something for everyone at the movies this weekend.