It Chapter Two Takes Top Spot, Hustlers Exceeds Expectations for #2 Debut
Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema’s IT Chapter Two kept floating and maintained its #1 spot at the domestic box office, bringing in $40.73 million domestically for a US total of $153.8 million after 10 days. While still a bonâ fide hit for the studio, the sequel finds itself down from the 2017 original which had made over $218 million after its first 10 days of release (capping off its theatrical run with $327.48 million domestically). Internationally the sequel brought in $47 million this weekend for an international total of $169.5 million and a worldwide total of $323.3 million. Thanks to this weekend, the two film franchise has now officially crossed the $1 billion mark; IT Chapter Two is also now the highest grossing horror movie of the year as well, surpassing Jordan Peele’s Us for the title.
STXfilms’ Hustlers opened in second place, exceeding expectations with an estimated $33.23 million opening, the biggest live-action opening for stars Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu and the best opening ever for STX Entertainment. Produced on a budget of $20 million, the film will no doubt be one of the major success stories for the year, especially given STX’s major bomb Uglydolls. Audience for Hustlers this weekend was 67% female and 69% over the age of 25. Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, the film also stars Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, with Mercedes Ruehl and Cardi B. The film also stars an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Lizzo, Mette Towley, Madeline Brewer, and Trace Lysette.
Lionsgate and Millennium’s Angel Has Fallen slipped to the #3 spot at the domestic box office, dipping just 26.5% and bringing in another $4.4 million for a US total of $60 million, putting it right on par with 2016’s London Has Fallen. Internationally the film has brought in $34.5 million, down from its sequel which was released in China (no official word on if Angel will play in the Middle Kingdom has been released).
Universal Pictures’ Good Boys fell to fourth place and brought in $$4.26 million over the weekend. Overall the comedy now sits at $73.3 million domestic, with the film officially passing Universal’s Yesterday and on its way to passing New Line’s Annabelle Comes Home very soon. Internationally the Jacob Tremblay lead comedy has brought in $18.3 million, giving it a global total of $91.6 million.
Walt Disney Pictures’ The Lion King slipped down to fifth place, bringing in $3.55 million for a US total of $533.9 million. Internationally the photo-realistic reimagining brought in another $6.9 million. The film remains the #7 highest grossing movie of all time, sitting behind 2015’s Jurassic World with $1.671 billion.
Elsewhere at the box office:
Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time in Hollywood has now brought in $329 million worldwide and officially passed Inglorious Basterds this weekend, making it QT’s second highest grossing film of all time (behind Django Unchained with $425 million worldwide).
The Goldfinch, produced on a reported budget of $45 million, bombed hard with $2.64 million domestically. The adaptation will no doubt be one of the biggest disappointments of the year.