Families aren’t going to be grumpy this weekend, as there’s a new film hitting theatres that’s guaranteed to bring in the box office money. It’s a naughty one, to be sure.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a Christmas classic; we all know this. You’re sure to find the 1966 animated special narrated by Boris Karloff airing sometime this Holiday season, while Jim Carrey’s 2000 live-action version was a holiday hit back in the day, making $260 million in North America. Now we have a new iteration arriving, courtesy of Universal and Illumination, and featuring the voice talents of Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character. Reviews haven’t been strong for this one, but it’s not really going to matter. Families are sure to flock to the film this weekend, and should give The Grinch a strong start as it hopes to play out over the holidays. Look for a first place debut with $65 million.
Also out this weekend is The Girl In The Spider’s Web, a reboot of the Lisbeth Salander films that failed to make a real commercial impact when The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo arrived back in 2011. Director David Fincher and Rooney Mara as Salander are out for this one, while Fede Álvarez and Clare Foy are in. It won’t matter though; reviews have been lacklustre already, and there’s not much of a must-see vibe surrounding it. Look for a fourth place debut with $9 million.
As for the rest of the top five, Bohemian Rhapsody will drop to second place with $29 million, as it closes in on the $100 million. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms will be in third place with $12 million, while the new JJ Abrams-produced World War II horror film Overlord will have to settle for fifth place with $8 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch – $65 million
2) Bohemian Rhapsody – $29 million
3) The Nutcracker and the Four Realms – $11 million
4) The Girl in the Spider’s Web – $9 million
5) Overlord – $8 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
