A competitive box office showdown is on the horizon as Glen Powell’s dystopian thriller “The Running Man” goes head-to-head with the heist film “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.” These new releases will vie for the top spot against last weekend’s champion, Disney’s “Predator: Badlands,” in North America.
Forecasts indicate that both “The Running Man” and “Now You See Me 3” are aiming for openings between $20 million and $25 million. Meanwhile, “Badlands” is expected to earn around $18 million to $20 million in its second week, marking a standard 50% drop from its impressive $40 million debut, which was the best in the franchise’s history.
Produced by Paramount, “The Running Man” is set to premiere in 3,400 domestic theaters and 55 international markets. The film, which comes with a substantial budget of $110 million, will need to maintain a strong performance throughout the holiday season to cover its costs. This latest adaptation of Stephen King’s 1982 novel, previously turned into a 1987 film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, follows the story of Ben Richards, a desperate man participating in a deadly reality competition in a dystopian future. Supported by a cast that includes Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin, and Michael Cera, the movie has garnered mixed reviews, with Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman suggesting it’s an improved version of its predecessor but lacking in shock value.
On the other hand, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” distributed by Lionsgate, opens in 3,300 North American cinemas and 64 international territories. It’s projected to replicate the domestic performance of its 2016 predecessor, earning about $22 million. Although critics have been less favorable, the “Now You See Me” franchise has enjoyed commercial success, with the first two films grossing $350 million and $334 million respectively. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, known for hits like “Venom,” this third installment features returning stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Morgan Freeman, along with newcomers such as Ariana Greenblatt and Rosamund Pike. The plot revolves around the illusionists working with a new generation to dismantle a criminal organization. Notably, it holds a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than its predecessors, suggesting a positive reception among audiences, with Gleiberman highlighting its fun nature.
As these films prepare to debut, the box office landscape is set for an exciting contest, with fans eagerly anticipating how these narratives will unfold on the big screen. With strong casts and engaging storylines, both films are poised to attract attention and generate significant ticket sales.