As predicted, it was a lacklustre debut weekend for the newest entry in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, while other new releases stumbled out of the gate as well.
Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindlewald debut with $62.2 million, down more than $10 million from the first film’s 2016 debut. There’s absolutely nothing for Warner Brothers to feel good about here in North America, that’s for sure. However, overseas the film brought in $191 million, so there’s definitely a large audience for the movie – -just not here. I doubt that Fantastic Beasts 2 will have any sort of hold over the coming weeks; in fact, I’m anticipating a huge drop-off next weekend.
As for the rest of the top five, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch was in second placer with $38.1 million and an excellent 44% hold week to week. Bohemian Rhapsody was in third place with $15.5 million, raising its three week total to closed to $130 million. Meanwhile, the other new arrivals, Instant Family and Widows, failed to launch at the box office, with the former bringing in $13 million, and the later delivering just $11.9 million.
So, to recap, here were our predictions:
1) Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald – $66 million
2) Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch – $40 million
3) Instant Family – $18 million
4) Bohemian Rhapsody – $17.5 million
5) Widows – $16 million
And here’s how the weekend is estimated to turn out:
1) Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald – $62.2 million
2) Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch – $38.1 million
3) Bohemian Rhapsody – $15.7 million
4) Instant Family – $13 million
5) Widows – $11.9 million
Next weekend sees the arrival of Creed 2, Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet, and Robin Hood. Be sure to check back on Friday to see our predictions!
