Ridley Scott’sThe Martianhas landed and, in terms of the box office, it’s getting a very warm reception. On its first day in theatres, the Fox feature claimed an estimated $18 million. That doesn’t come close to the single day record for October ($26.3 million forParanormal Activity 3), but it does top the first day ofGravity– a little sci-fi pic you may remember from a few years back.
For anyone who missed it,Alfonso Cuaron’sGravitydebuted on this same weekend in 2013 with a record-setting $55.7 million. The size of that opening caught the box office by surprise, but it was only the beginning. Driven by stellar reviews and lucrative runs in 3D and IMAX locations,Gravitywent on to earn $723.2 worldwide and claim seven Academy Awards, including Best Director for Cuaron. Small wonder then that Fox chose the same weekend that launchedGravityforThe Martian: another stranded in space epic withstrong reviewsand a big 3D footprint. And the fact that NASA happened to announce that they found water on Mars just days before the film’s opening? Just gravy.
Just becauseThe MartiantoppedGravityon day one does not mean it will beat its predecessor’s weekend record. The film is currently on course for about $54 million through Sunday, or just a bit under the all-time October record.
Of course,Gravityopened on a far less competitive frame, with the lackluster holdoverCloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2it’s only real challenger.The Martianis arriving one week afterHotel Transylvania 2set a new record for Septemberwith its $48.4 million first weekend (also a career-high forAdam Sandler). On Friday, Sony’s animated sequel was down 43% from its opening day but is expected to hold well in its sophomore frame with at least $30 million.The Internis also holding well and is expected to earn close to $12 million, or a drop of about 35%.
After two very successful weeks in limited release, Lionsgate’sSicariois making its first appearance in the top five. The R-rated drama expanded from 59 to 2,620 locations on Friday and added an estimated $4.28 million to its domestic total. For its first weekend in wide release,Sicarioshould bring in close to $13 million.
Here’s Friday’s top five films. Check back tomorrow for details on the weekend box office.
The Martian
$18,000,000
Hotel Transylvania 2
$7,500,000
$4,280,000
The Intern
$3,575,000
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
$2,100,000
