Despicable Me 2 vs The Lone Ranger – Biff Bam Pop’s Box Office Predictions

It’s the long weekend in the US of A, and the weekend box office has already started up with the release of two would-be blockbusters. Which will hit number one? Here’s our prediction:

Everywhere you look, there are minions! Despicable Me 2 is the hugely hyped sequel to the 2010 original animated smash, starring the voice of Steve Carrell and Russel Brand. Since its release on July 2nd, the film has already grossed more than $70 million and is the surefire winner this weekend. Look for a huge three-day total to be $85 million.

Find out how the rest of the weekend will turn out after the jump!
While Despicable Me 2 will be the guaranteed winner this weekend, I’m fairly certain we can count on The Lone Ranger to be our certified loser. The film has been decimated by critics, and currently sits with an abysmal 23% fresh ranking at Rotten Tomatoes. That makes two summer bombs in a row for Johnny Depp, whose Dark Shadows failed to find an audience in 2012. Look for  a third place debut with $25 million.

As for the rest of the top five, Monsters University should drop to second place with $30 million. The Heat will hit fourth place right  behind The Lone Ranger with $24.5 million, while White House Down will close things out in fifth with $18 million.

So, to recap, here are our predictions:

1) Despicable Me 2 – $85 million
2) Monsters University – $30 million
3) The Lone Ranger – $25 million
4) The Heat – $24.5 million
5) White House Down – $18 million

Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!