Current tracking, via Deadline, has “Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” opening, higher than “The Marvels,” with a $50 million domestic intake and another $50 million added in from overseas. The production budget was $100 million. If these numbers stick then this will be a successful launch for Lionsgate. The movie, which hits theaters this Friday, hasn’t had the best reviews — it currently sits at 59% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The ‘Smile’ franchise has a new director. David Bruckner, who made “The Night House” and the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, has been hired to direct “Smile 3” for Paramount.