As the box office landscape continually evolves, this weekend promises to unveil an intriguing competition between several films poised to capture audience attention. Notably, Sony’s “Venom: The Last Dance” faces challenges in its bid for the top spot in its third weekend, with projections estimating around $12 million. However, rivaling it for dominance is A24’s intriguing horror release, “Heretic,” which could potentially outpace the competition with a forecast of upwards of $8 million from 3,200 theaters.
“Heretic,” directed by the acclaimed duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who previously mastered the horror genre with “A Quiet Place,” has already generated significant buzz following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film features Hugh Grant in a chilling role as Mr. Reed, a manipulative presence that ensnares two unsuspecting young Mormon missionaries. Critics have responded favorably to “Heretic,” awarding it a robust 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting its engaging narrative and stellar performances. With preliminary screenings in cities like Salt Lake City and broader previews set to start on Thursday evening, A24 aims to attract a younger demographic, particularly those aged 18 to 34.
Meanwhile, “Venom: The Last Dance” continues to generate revenue with its current box office tally sitting at a commendable $95.3 million. Following a strong performance on Election Day, where it grossed $3.3 million—an impressive 56% increase from the previous Tuesday—the Sony film is on track to cross the $100 million threshold this Friday. Notably, this sequel, directed by Kelly Marcel and featuring Tom Hardy, taps into a rich vein of established comic book lore, appealing to both fans of the genre and general moviegoers alike. Despite its strong standing, it faces mounting competition from “Heretic,” challenging its box office reign.
Amidst this competitive backdrop, other films are set to make their mark this weekend. Among them is the adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s cherished holiday tale, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” directed by Dallas Jenkins. This family-oriented film is projected to earn between $6 million and $8 million, though exhibitors maintain that a debut exceeding $10 million is a possibility. The movie, which boasts a 92% approval rating from critics and a flawless audience approval rate of 100%, features an ensemble cast, including Judy Greer and Lauren Graham. Its humorous take on the hijinks of a troublesome group of children during a Christmas pageant could resonate well with family audiences.
Furthermore, several other noteworthy films are entering the theatrical landscape this weekend. Sci-fi film “Elevation,” directed by George Nolfi and starring notable actors Anthony Mackie and Monica Baccarin, is set to open in 1,416 locations. Additionally, Fathom Events is releasing “Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration” across 1,200 theaters, which is certain to appeal to music enthusiasts. Action fans may find interest in “Weekend in Taipei,” co-written by Luc Besson, which is making its way to 1,021 venues.
Moreover, Neon’s Palme d’Or winner, “Anora,” plans to expand its reach from 253 to 1,100 theaters. The independent film has garnered attention not only for its critical acclaim but also for its impressive per-theater average, boasting the highest average opening of the year at $91,700.
As this weekend unfolds, a fascinating battle lies ahead among these films. While “Venom: The Last Dance” appears poised to retain its leadership position, “Heretic” may carve out a path for itself through strong audience attraction driven by effective marketing and positive critical reception. Additional family-friendly options and innovative new titles will likely diversify audience choices, leading to a dynamic and unpredictable box office outcome. As the numbers come in, the results will reflect not only audience preferences but also the evolving trends in moviegoing behavior. Whether horror, family comedy, or superhero dramedy reigns supreme will be a story worth following closely this weekend.