Two sequels and a new franchise debut at the box office this weekend, but only one of them could be categorized a big success. Here’s what went down:
The Conjuring 2, the sequel to the blockbuster 2013 horror film, had an exceptionally strong showing this weekend, debuting in the top spot with an estimated $38.3 million. That’s only slightly off from the original’s $41 million debut. Combined with the fact that critics and audiences both gave it top marks, everyone involved should be pretty pleased with this result, even if The Conjuring 2 may not hit the first film’s $137 million total in North America.
Debuting in second place with $25.7 million was Warcraft. That’s a fairly unimpressive number to go along with the critical drubbing the film is taking. However, overseas Warcraft has already made $276 million with more to come, so while the film is a dud in North America, it should wind up in the black by the end of its run.
Now You See Me 2 debut in third place with $23.3 million, a pedestrian number that was off from the original’s $29.5 million debut. That one finished its 2013 run with $117 million in North America, and it’s unlikely the sequel will come anywhere close to that.
As for the rest of the top five, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows had a steep 68% drop to land in fourth place with $13.9 million, while X-Men: Apocalypse closed things out in fifth with $9.5 million.
So, to recap, here were our predictions:
1) The Conjuring 2 – $35 million
2) Now You See Me 2 – $28 million
3) Warcraft – $20 million
4) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows – $13 million
5) Me Before You – $10 million
And here’s how the weekend is estimated to turn out:
1) The Conjuring 2 – $38.3 million
2) Warcraft – $25.7 million
3) Now You See Me 2 – $23.3 million
4) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: Out of the Shadows – $13.9 million
5) X-Men: Apocalypse – $9.5 million
Next weekend sees the release of Central Intelligence and Finding Dory. Be sure to check back on Friday to see our predictions!
