The box office is buzzing with the latest updates on the holiday movie season, and it's all about the battle for viewers' attention. With 76% of colleges on break, the major studios are targeting an older audience with two new releases: 'Greenland 2: Migration' and 'Primate'.
20th Century Studios' 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' is expected to dominate the fourth weekend with an impressive $20M+ gross, solidifying its position as a global blockbuster. The film, directed by James Cameron, has already surpassed the $1 billion mark worldwide and currently holds a strong $311.8M in North America. It continues to attract audiences to its Imax, full 3D, and premium 4D/Screen-X/D-box auditoriums.
'Greenland 2: Migration', a Lionsgate-STX-Anton co-production, stars Gerard Butler, who has a dedicated fan base among older males. The sequel, directed by Ric Roman Waugh, follows the Garrity family's perilous journey across a frozen Europe. With a PG-13 rating and a release in 2,700 theaters, it's expected to perform well, especially with Butler's involvement. Interestingly, the original 'Greenland' film is currently a popular choice on HBO Max.
'Primate', on the other hand, is a monkey-themed horror movie from Paramount and Walter Hamada's 18Hz genre label. Directed and co-written by Johannes Roberts, it received positive reviews at Fantastic Fest in September, boasting a 90% fresh critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is playing at 2,900 sites and targets men over 25 as its primary audience.
In other news, the Bradley Cooper-directed dramedy 'Is This Thing On?' is expanding its release to 1,200 theaters this weekend. Starring Will Arnett, Laura Dern, and Cooper, the film has received positive reviews, with 86% approval from critics and 88% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. It follows a man going through a divorce and finding solace in stand-up comedy.
Additionally, 'I Was a Stranger', an Arabic drama from Angel Studios starring Omar Sy and Jay Abdo, is opening in 1,400 sites. The thriller 'Dead Man's Wire', directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Bill Skarsgård and Dacre Montgomery, is also in limited release, playing in 14 theaters across major cities. With a 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's a must-watch for fans of the genre.
