Analysts said that three-day total surpassed expectations for an R-rated film opening in the Covid-19 era – and with powerful Hurricane Ida depressing attendance in some Southern states.
The film, written by Jordan Peele and with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the blood-spattered starring role, had a budget of US$25 million, according to Hollywood Reporter.
Last week’s box office leader, Twentieth Century’s sci-fi comedy “Free Guy,” slipped to second place, at US$13.6 million. The family-friendly film stars Ryan Reynolds as an Everyman bank teller who finds he is a character in a huge video game.
In the third spot, also down one position, was Paramount animation “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” at US$6.6 million. Based on a popular kids’ television show, it tells the story of a boy named Ryder and the brave pooches who help him save Adventure City from an evil mayor.
In fourth was Disney’s family adventure film “Jungle Cruise” at US$5 million, bringing its North American total just past US$100 million. The studio is also offering the movie on its Disney Plus streaming service.
And in fifth was horror feature “Don’t Breathe 2” from Sony, at US$2.8 million.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
- “Respect” (US$2.3 million)
- “The Suicide Squad” (US$2 million)
- “The Protege” (US$1.7 million)
- “The Night House” (US$1.2 million)
- “Black Widow” (US$855,000)