Weekend Predictions: 'The Hunger Games,' 'The Cabin in the Woods,' 'The Three Stooges' and 'Lockout'
Featured Stories - on April 11, 2012 by Phil Contrino
The Hunger Games will have no problem fending off three newcomers in order to stay on top at the North American box office this coming weekend.
While Lionsgate's blockbuster is slowing down considerably, it still has enough juice left in it for a fourth #1 finish. It certainly helps that The Hunger Games received another rush of mainstream publicity this week when it was announced that Gary Ross would not be returning to direct the sequel.
Look for The Hunger Games to grab $19.5 million this weekend.
The Cabin in the Woods appears to be the strongest newcomer. The horror flick is doing quite well on Twitter this week—always a good sign. The Lionsgate release has also snagged more than a few rave reviews.
The Cabin in the Woods is poised for a $14.5 million debut from around 2,600 locations.
The Three Stooges could end up surprising if a rush of nostalgia sets in, but that won't necessarily happen during opening weekend. Moviegoers over the age of 55 will make up a decent portion of the comedy's audience and that demographic always rush out to theaters. Unfortunately, 20th Century Fox can't rely on the drawing power of The Farrelly Brothers—the duo hasn't had a true hit since 2001's Me, Myself and Irene.
Expect The Three Stooges to grab around $13.5 million from around 3,400 locations during its debut frame.
Expectations for Lockout are modest at best. Star Guy Pearce is far from a reliable draw even though he is highly recognizable, and the film's premise—a convict is sent to a space station to rescue the President's daughter—will have a tough time attracting patrons who aren't sci-fi enthusiasts.
Fandango reports that Lockout has yet to crack the top five sellers list.
Lockout should grab $6.5 million from more than 2,300 locations during its debut frame.
Check out our top 10 predictions in the table below.
| Title | Release Date | Distributor | Weekend Gross | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hunger Games | Mar 23, 2012 | Lionsgate |
$19,500,000 | $335,200,000 |
| The Cabin in the Woods | Apr 13, 2012 | Lionsgate |
$14,500,000 | $14,500,000 |
| The Three Stooges | Apr 13, 2012 | Fox |
$13,500,000 | $13,500,000 |
| Titanic 3D | Apr 4, 2012 | Paramount |
$11,800,000 | $44,600,000 |
| American Reunion | Apr 6, 2012 | Universal |
$11,700,000 | $41,400,000 |
| Mirror Mirror | Mar 30, 2012 | Relativity Media |
$7,500,000 | $50,200,000 |
| Wrath of the Titans | Mar 30, 2012 | Warner Bros. |
$7,300,000 | $71,800,000 |
| Lockout | Apr 13, 2012 | Open Road |
$6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| 21 Jump Street | Mar 16, 2012 | Sony / Columbia |
$6,300,000 | $120,200,000 |
| Dr. Seuss' The Lorax | Mar 2, 2012 | Universal |
$3,500,000 | $204,900,000 |
Additional reporting by Daniel Garris and Alex Edghill.
Heathster on 14 April 2012
Guess again, birdbrains! Friday BO shows the Stooges with a good chance to break $20 million and be number one. Ya knuckleheads!