Universal’sThe Super Mario Bros. Moviewill retain the top spot in its second weekend of release at the domestic box office, after a solid $22 million on Friday. Theblockbuster animated video game adaptationis currently eyeing a modest 45% drop for an $80 million sophomore weekend, after busting numerous records in its debut frame.
The film’s current domestic tally stands at $283 million after 10 days of release; globally, the filmpassed $500 million yesterday. By Sunday,Super Mariowill have passed $340 million domestically, and approximately $660 million globally.Super Mariois already the highest-grossing movie of the year at the domestic box office, and it recently overtookWarcraft($439 million worldwide) to bag the title of thehighest-grossing video game adaptationof all time.
In its extended five-day opening weekend,Super Mariogrossed an astonishing $204 million domestically, exceeding expectations by nearly $80 million. Featuring the voices ofChris PrattandCharlie Dayas the iconic plumber brothers Mario and Luigi, the film is on course to becoming yet another billion-dollar franchise-starter for Illumination, the animation house behind the hitDespicable MeandSingseries.
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A slew of new releases will compete among each other for the remaining spots at this week’s box office chart. But the number two film this weekend will probably end up grossing a tenth ofSuper Mario’s eventual haul. Currently, the second spot seems to be going to Screen Gems’ horror filmThe Pope’s Exorcist, in whichRussell Croweplays the late FatherGabriele Amorth, whoclaimed to have performedhundreds of thousands of exorcisms in his career. The film made $3.4 million on Friday (including Thursday preview grosses), and is expected to generate between $8.5 million and $9 million in its opening weekend.
Universal’s vampire comedyRenfield, starringNicholas Houltas the titular character andNicolas Cageas Dracula, is coming in slightly under expectations. The film was projected to take second place heading into the weekend, but will now have to settle for the third spot, with an estimated finish between $7 million and $8 million.Renfieldmade $3.1 million on its first Friday, including just under a million from Thursday previews. Holdover hitJohn Wick: Chapter 4andBen Affleck’s acclaimed sports dramaAirwill compete for the fourth and fifth spots. Both films are currently eyeing $7.3 million this weekend, after generating $2.1 million each on Friday.John Wick 4has now grossed $154 million domestically, whileAirwill pass the $30 million mark by Sunday.
Another Animated Blockbuster Debuted Domestically This Week
Elsewhere, Japanese anime directorMakoto Shinkai’s new filmSuzumewill make around $5 million from over 2,000 domestic theaters this weekend, after a $2.1 million Friday. The film hasalready grossedover $250 million worldwide, more than $100 million of which has come from China. Bleecker Street’s crime comedyMafia Mammawill likely gross under $3 million in its first weekend, while A24’s release ofAri Aster’s divisive new filmBeau Is Afraidis looking at a record-breaking per-theater average of $80,000 as it debuts at four locations in New York and Los Angeles.
ExpectSuper Marioto continue dominating the box office, at least untilGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3debuts early next month. You can watch our interview withRenfieldstars Hoult and Cage here, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
