The clown prince of crime gets his own movie this weekend, and judging by the hype, it’s going to be a hit.
With a divisive response from observers fueling the fire, director Todd Phillips’ Joker arrives, ripe with controversy and a critically acclaimed performance from Joaquin Phoenix. A standalone film, freed from any connection to the current DC film universe, Joker is being compared to classic Scorsese films like Taxi Driver and King of Comedy, though neither of those made the sort of bank Joker is expected to deliver. The hype is off the charts and there’s no question the film will debut atop the box office. Seeing as Joker is more a character study that superhero film, it won’t have a Marvel sized debut, but it will still bring in a massive audience. Look for a first place debut with $85 million.
As for the rest of the top five, Abominable will be in second place with $16 million. Downton Abbey will be in third place with $13 million, with Hustlers behind it in fourth with $8 million. IT: Chapter Two will close things out in fifth place with $6.5 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Joker – $85 million
2) Abominable – $16 million
3) Downton Abbey – $13 million
4) Hustlers – $8 million
5) IT: Chapter Two – $6.5 million
Be sure to check back in Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
