Three new releases are looking to knock Pixar’s Brave off the top of the box office this weekend. Can any of them do it? Here are our predictions:
Channing Tatum stripping + Steven Soderbergh directing = big money for Magic Mike this weekend. Based on Tatum’s life, the film is no doubt going to appeal to all the ladies in the audience, all of whom should make up for the men who aren’t interested in seeing the actor bump and grind for the bucks. The film is garnering strong reviews and should open strongly. Look for for a second place finish with $39 million.
Ted is the first live-action film from Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane, though it does feature Mark Wahlberg acting alongside a talking bear. Judging by the trailers, it also has all the hallmarks of a classic bit of McFarland humour. With the colossal bomb that is That’s My Boy, comedy fans are no doubt looking for this year’s R-rated comedy hit. So while the ladies are at Magic Mike, the fellas will be giving McFarland his first big screen hit. Look for Ted to score $30 million for a third place showing.
The final big new release of the weekend comes from Tyler Perry with his latest Madea flick, Madea’s Witness Protection. Both Perry and his famed character Madea have a built in audience and should perform well this weekend, but I question whether releasing the film at a busy time of the year is the wisest move to make. It certainly won’t be hitting the number one spot. Look for a fourth place finish with $23 million.
As for the rest of the top five, look for Pixar’s Brave hold onto the number one position for a second week in a row with a gross of $42 million, while Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted will close things out with $12 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Brave – $42 million
2) Magic Mike – $39 million
3) Ted – $30 million
4) Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection – $23 million
5) Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted – $12 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
