Warner Bros./Legendary’s “A Minecraft Movie” is poised to solidify its viral status this weekend, as it faces off against a selection of films from various specialty distributors. Among the five new releases are Disney/20th Century’s “The Amateur” and Angel Studios’ “The King of Kings,” both of which aim to generate buzz leading up to Palm Sunday.
With the April box office looking to transform into a pre-summer spectacle, “Minecraft” has already made a significant impact, surpassing “Barbie” with a remarkable 3 million domestic opening. The film’s accompanying videos and memes have only amplified its visibility, creating a unique atmosphere that draws audiences not just for the film itself, but for the shared experience of viewing it in theaters. Despite a lukewarm 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the excitement surrounding “A Minecraft Movie” is palpable, reminiscent of the “Gentleminions” phenomenon that previously boosted another film’s earnings.
Exhibitors are optimistic about “Minecraft” maintaining a second weekend drop of less than 60%, projecting a total of at least million. There’s even speculation that it could exceed million, a figure it was initially expected to reach during its opening weekend. Should the film manage to hold its audience effectively, it may soon join the elite billion club.
On the other hand, the newcomers are anticipated to have a more modest performance, with none expected to surpass million this weekend. However, “The King of Kings,” an animated retelling of the Gospel featuring a star-studded voice cast including Kenneth Branagh and Oscar Isaac, may surprise audiences. After generating around million in presales, it is projected to earn between and million, potentially outpacing the recent opening of “The Chosen: Last Supper — Eps. 1-3.”
Fathom Events will also be releasing the final episodes of “The Chosen: Last Supper” this weekend, catering to fans eager to binge-watch the series on the big screen. The combination of “The King of Kings” and the concluding episodes of “The Chosen” offers a wealth of faith-based options for Christian moviegoers, likely making this Easter season particularly profitable for theaters like B&B Theatres, which previously saw strong performance from “The Chosen.”
For those seeking more secular narratives, Disney/20th Century’s “The Amateur” presents a gripping tale of revenge, with Rami Malek starring as a CIA decoder who takes justice into his own hands following his wife’s murder. Projected to open with around million from 3,300 theaters, the film carries a million budget and will need to perform well internationally to recoup its costs. Critics have responded positively, with a 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience previews have garnered an enthusiastic 86% rating.
In the realm of independent films, A24’s “Warfare” and Universal/Blumhouse’s “Drop” are expected to open in the single digits. “Warfare,” directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, is based on Mendoza’s experiences as a Navy SEAL during the Iraq War and has received critical acclaim, boasting a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. However, it is projected to earn around million from 2,650 theaters, appealing to a niche audience. Conversely, “Drop,” a thriller featuring Meghann Fahy, is anticipated to open with -7 million from 3,000 theaters, relying on strong word-of-mouth to gain traction despite its 89% Rotten Tomatoes score.
