The last few weeks of August are usually pretty quiet at the box office. The biggest films have already been released, while smaller, less mass appeal ones slowly start to squeak through. This weekend is no different. Which flick will come out on top? Here are our predictions:
Sinister 2 is the sequel to the 2012 film that starred Ethan Hawke and that was directed by Scott Derrickson, soon to helm Marvel’s Doctor Strange. The original made $77 million on a $3 million budget, so the inevitable sequel makes complete sense. However, neither director Derrickson or Hawke are returning for this instalment (though the former does have a co-writing credit). Three years is a long time in between horror sequels, and I’m skeptical as to whether audiences will flock to this one. Look for a second place showing with $18 million.
Also new this weekend are American Ultra, with Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart (reuniting after Adventureland), and Hitman: Agent 47, based on the video game of the same name. Buzz is nonexistent for both films and their impact this weekend should be minimal at best. Look for American Ultra to grab the fourth spot with $9 million, while Hitman: Agent 47 will hope to grab fifth place with $8.5 million.
As for the rest of the top five, Straight Outta Compton should have no problems holding onto the top spot with $32 million, while Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation will continue its strong run in third place with $16 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Straight Outta Compton – $32 million
2) Sinister 2 – $18 million
3) Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation – $16 million
4) American Ultra – $9 million
5) Hitman: Agent 47 – $8.5 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
