Box Office Update: Middle America Dominates with A Working Man
In a surprising turn of events, Middle America has taken a commanding lead at the box office, as David Ayer’s blue-collar drama A Working Man surpasses expectations with a projected opening weekend gross of $15.6 million. The film topped Friday’s chart with $5.6 million, indicating strong audience interest.
Meanwhile, Disney’s Snow White, in its second weekend, is anticipated to earn between $14 million and $15 million. This represents a significant drop of 65% or more, fueled by negative word-of-mouth and ongoing controversies surrounding lead actress Rachel Zegler.
Despite this downturn, Disney remains optimistic, asserting that Snow White could regain momentum as family audiences become more available on Saturday. The film continues to resonate particularly well with female viewers and mothers, who find limited options in theaters at the moment.
MGM Studios Navigates Changes Amidst Theatrical Competition
The success of A Working Man coincides with a pivotal moment for Amazon MGM Studios. The studio recently experienced a shake-up with the unexpected departure of studio head Jennifer Salke. This transition occurs as the studio aims to bolster its status in Hollywood and expand its global distribution capabilities, particularly after acquiring the rights to the iconic James Bond franchise. Salke’s exit comes right before CinemaCon, where Amazon MGM plans to make its mark.
Film Highlights and Upcoming Releases
Ayer’s A Working Man, which has received positive reviews, stars Jason Statham alongside a talented cast including Jason Flemyng, Merab Ninidze, and Michael Peña. The film is based on the novel Levon’s Trade by Chuck Dixon, narrating the journey of a black ops veteran who leaves a decorated military career for a simpler life in construction. His world is turned upside down when his boss’s daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers, leading him into a dark underbelly of corruption.
This weekend also sees the release of Fathom’s The Chosen: The Last Supper — Season 5, Part One, which is performing impressively with an estimated $12.8 million, capturing a third-place ranking. Universal’s horror film The Woman in the Yard, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and featuring Danielle Deadwyler, is tracking well for a fourth-place finish with a projected $9 million. The plot revolves around a family’s unsettling encounter with a mysterious stranger at their remote farmhouse.
On the other hand, A24’s horror feature Death of a Unicorn, starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd, has not generated significant interest, aiming to debut in the $5 million range and potentially landing in fifth place.
Stay tuned for updated box office numbers that will be available on Sunday.