“Mortal Kombat II” earned $5.2M in Thursday previews, a figure very close to last year’s $5.5M preview haul for “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” which hit theaters at the same time and went on to open to $51.6M.
Based on current projections, “Mortal Kombat II” is tracking toward a $40M–$45M opening weekend, while some upside models push it closer to $50M if audience reception and walk-up business are strong. It’s set for a tight race with “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which is expected to earn roughly $38M–$42M in its second weekend.
Overall, the weekend is shaping up to be very healthy for theaters nationwide. “Michael,” now in its third weekend, has very strong legs — it is expected to add a strong $35M–$40M, which, if it lands at the high end, would represent only a ~26% decrease from the previous weekend. It’s set to hit the $500M worldwide mark in the next day or two.
This weekend also sees the release of Amazon/MGM’s “Sheep Detectives,” which made $1M in previews and is aiming for a $12M–$15M opening. Paramount’s concert film “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” directed by James Cameron, made $2.2M in previews and is projected to earn $8M–$10M.