In light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, major studios continue their theatrical releases despite the absence of their star-studded promotions. Interestingly, movies like The Nun II and The Equalizer 3 managed to garner substantial attention during their debuts. However, the release of the fourth installment of the Expendables series, Expend4bles, anticipates a modest opening, hinting at a potential decline in the franchise’s charm.
Expend4bles: A Dimmed Spark in the Action Franchise
Despite a decade-long gap from its predecessor, Expend4bles managed to collect a humble $3 million on its inaugural Friday. This includes $750,000 from Thursday previews, projecting a total three-day debut nearing $8 million. Although the Expendables series historically resonated better with international viewers, the current feedback appears lukewarm at best. Critic reviews have been far from flattering, with the film mustering a mere 16% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Notably, critic Chase Hutchinson didn’t mince words, describing it as the “worst” franchise entry, filled with “cheese” but devoid of charm.
It’s worth reminiscing that the Expendables, introduced by Sylvester Stallone in 2010, kicked off with significant momentum. While the first film raked in $103 million domestically, its sequel went on to amass over $310 million globally. However, by the third installment in 2014, the numbers dwindled, exacerbated by a leak on piracy websites.
Sequels Dominate the Box Office
This weekend’s cinema chart showcases the dominance of sequels. Following closely behind Expend4bles, The Nun II sits at the second spot, with a potential to climb the ladder if Expend4bles falters during the weekend. On its third Friday, The Nun II added $2.4 million, nearing the coveted $70 million mark domestically. On the global front, it is poised to surpass $200 million, though it still trails its 2018 predecessor.
Kenneth Branagh’s A Haunting in Venice, third in line, recorded $1.7 million on Friday. As the newest addition to the Hercule Poirot murder mystery series, it faces the daunting task of outpacing last year’s Death on the Nile, which fell short against its whopping $90 million budget.
Securing the fourth place is The Equalizer 3, pulling in $1.3 million. Though it approaches the $80 million mark, the film needs to hit at least $101 million to avoid being the franchise’s lowest earner. Lastly, despite being digitally available, Barbie remains a top contender, benefiting from IMAX showings and aims to secure $3.5 million over the weekend.
Conclusion
It’s evident that sequels, for better or worse, are reigning supreme in the box office, with Expend4bles‘ anticipated performance serving as a notable case study. As the industry grapples with union strikes, the audience’s shift in taste and movie reviews play a pivotal role in shaping these numbers. Only time will tell how these films fare in their respective runs, but one thing is certain: the cinematic landscape is ever-evolving. Stay tuned for more updates.
