Can a sequel to a horror classic scare up an audience, or will a holiday rom-com make off with the top spot?
Doctor Sleep is the sequel to The Shining, both the original novel by Stephen King and the drastically different film by Stanley Kubrick. Director Mike Flanagan has managed to combine the two into what’s become a critically acclaimed film (you can read our review here). Will that be enough to bring in a wide audience? Yes and no. Truth be told, though it was a bestseller, King’s 2013 novel was just “ok”. And while Flanagan has done an exceptional job making a decent story into an even better one with the film, he’s hampered by both Kubrick’s cinematic legacy and a cast that while uniformly excellent aren’t big box office draws. However, the idea of heading back to the Overlook Hotel to encounter all of its denizens one last time will likely appeal to an audience that will dash out opening weekend. Look for Doctor Sleep to debut in first place with $30 million.
Also, new this weekend is the romantic comedy Last Christmas, starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, and directed by Paul Feig from a script by Emma Thompson. With all this talent attached, you might be surprised to see the film has absolutely horrible reviews, but it surely does. Don’t expect much from this one. Look for a second place debut with $15 million.
As for the rest of the top five, Terminator: Dark Fate will continue its disastrous run as it drops to third place with $14 million. The new John Cena comedy Playing With Fire will debut in fourth place with $12 million, while another new film, Midway from director Roland Emmerich will close things out in fifth place with $10 million.
So, to recap, here are our predictions:
1) Doctor Sleep – $30 million
2) Last Christmas – $15 million
3) Terminator: Dark Fate – $14 million
4) Playing With Fire – $12 million
5) Midway – $10 million
Be sure to check back on Sunday to see how the weekend turns out!
