Tight, tight, tight. That’s what it’s going to be like at the box office this weekend when one of the most anticpated sci-fi films of the year does battle with a family franchise force of nature. Both films are guranteed strong opening numbers, but only one of them can reach the top of mountain. So, which will it be? Here’s our prediction:
Prometheus is famed director Ridley Scott’s return to the world of science-fiction and the Alien universe he helped create back in 1979. The film revolves around the spaceship of the same name that follows a starmap looking for the origins of humanity; what they discover could destroy it. Staring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce and Charlize Theron, the film looks to be equal parts sci-fi and horror, with a very strong H.P. Lovecraft influence thrown in there as well, courtesy of screenwriters Damon Lindelof and Jon Spaihts. Hype is incredibly strong for Prometheus, as are reviews, and it should perform well, but the fact that it R-rated is going to limit it’s financial success this weekend. Look for a second place debut for Prometheus with $54 million.
The other big new release this weekend is the animated feature Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, staring the voices of Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Sacha Baron Cohen, David Schwimmer and others. As the first big family release of the summer, the film is guranteed a solid opening. Throw in the fact that the previous installment in the series debut with $63 million back in 2008, and I believe we’re looking at the number one film this weekend. Look for Madagascar 3 to pull in $60 million to score the top spot.
As for the rest of the top five, Snow White and the Huntsman will fall from first spot to third, taking in $26 million. Men In Black 3 should find itself in fourth spot with $18 million, while Marvel’s The Avengers will close things out in fifth place with $13 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted – $60 million
2) Prometheus – $54 million
3) Snow White and the Huntsman – $26 million
4) Men In Black 3 – $18 million
5) Marvel’s The Avengers – $13 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
