Despite the fact that no movies this weekend are expected to deliver blockbuster business, this is still one of the more interesting box office frames in recent memory. It marks the release of Ebenezer, Johnny Depp’s first mainstream release in eight years and his first since the Amber Heard trial. To many, it seems like this could mark the moment he officially returns to mainstream movies, and the box office tracking is solid, if unspectacular. It seems likely to make $20 million this weekend, which would be a solid number, as the film is said to have cost under $40 million, with Depp no longer commanding the massive paydays he did during his heyday.
Arguably, it will be the foreign box office that proves even more consequential, as Depp remains a huge draw overseas. If its overseas opening matches its domestic take, giving it something like $40 million worldwide in its opening weekend, that would be a terrific result, especially as, being a Christmas movie, it should have solid legs over the holiday season.
The other big question mark is Ghost Soldier, which stars Jim Caviezel. Unapologetically old-fashioned, it aims to appeal to the same audience that made Sound of Freedom a blockbuster, but it’s getting a rather quiet release. It’s not expected to make more than $4 million over the weekend, although opening it on Veterans Day might allow it to make a little extra cash before the weekend kicks in.
Second place should go to Godzilla Minus Zero, which is looking at about $15 million as it continues to break box office records. Last weekend, it scored the biggest opening ever for a foreign-language film in North America. The disappointing Cat in the Hat redux should be in third place with about $12 million, with hopes riding on its staying power as a family movie.
The top five should be rounded out by Amazon/MGM’s David Leitch-directed action flick, How to Rob a Bank, which stars Nicholas Hoult and John C. Reilly, and Ghost Soldier. Originally slated for an earlier fall release, How to Rob a Bank was pushed back at the last minute. It seems unlikely to pull in much money and looks like the kind of thing that will do better on streaming. I expect $8 million in fourth place, with Ghost Soldier rounding out the top five.
Here are my predictions:
- Ebenezer: $20 million
- Godzilla Minus Zero: $15 million
- Cat in the Hat: $12 million
- How to Rob a Bank: $8 million
- Ghost Soldier: $4 million
What are you seeing this weekend? Let us know in the comments.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed