In the past few years, February has gone from a month that rarely features anybox officehits, to a viable frame to open big blockbusters. Recent hits likeThe Lego Movie,Fifty Shades of GreyandKingsman: The Secret Servicehave proved that fans will brave the elements and head to the theaters in droves for the right movie, and this year is no different, with three new releases arriving this weekend, all of which are slated to take in more than $20 million, according to the projections atPro.BoxOffice.com. The big runaway winner, though, is expected to be the superhero adaptationDeadpool, which could come close to making box office history, althoughZoolander 2andHow to Be Singleare expected to perform well also.
Last month, analysts startedtrackingthis blockbuster-to-be, predicting that its opening weekend could be anywhere between $55 million and $60 million. The movie has picked up a lot of buzz since then, especially with a string ofpositive reviews, with the movie now projected to take in a whopping $81 million this weekend. If it does hit that mark, it will become the third-highest movie ever to open in February, followingThe Passion of the Christ($83.8 million) and last year’sFifty Shades of Grey($85.1 million). The film is currently standing at a superb 84% “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s expected to debut in more than 3,400 theaters this weekend.
Deadpoolwill also set the pace for a huge year of superhero adventures. Warner Bros. kicks off its superhero universe withBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceon March 25, followed bySuicide Squadon August 5. 20th Century Fox will also debutX-Men: Apocalypseon May 27, and it’s possible that we may seeDeadpoolin that adventure, although it hasn’t been confirmed. Marvel will be kicking off their Phase Three lineup withCaptain America: Civil Waron May 6 andDoctor Strangeon November 4.
Based upon Marvel Comics' most unconventional anti-hero,Deadpooltells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter egoDeadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor,Deadpoolhunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.Ryan Reynoldsstars as the Merc With the Mouth, with a supporting cast that includesMorena Baccarin,Gina Carano,Ed Skrein,T.J. Miller,Brianna Hildebrand, Olesia Shewchuk, Style Dayne, Rachel Sheen and Dan Zachary.
Zoolander 2andHow to Be Singleare expected to take the second and third places, with $23 million and $20 million respectively. Both of these comedies open in roughly the same amount of theaters, withZoolander 2debuting in 3,200 theaters andHow to Be Singleexpected to roll out in just over 3,250 theaters. Neither of these comedies have enough reviews posted for a Rotten Tomatoes score yet, but that will change in the days ahead as we get closer to this release. While neither movie is expected to come close to the Merc With the Mouth, if it meets or exceeds these projections, it will still be a successful weekend for both projects.
Zoolander 2 centers on Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson), who are recruited by Valentina (Penélope Cruz), an Interpol agent and former swimwear model, to stop a deranged killer who is targeting the most beautiful people in the world. The first trailer revealed that this assassin starts his killing spree with none other than pop starJustin Bieber, who was revealed in aset photoposted by star/directorBen Stillerback in April. Other celebrities this killer has bumped off include Usher Raymond,Demi LovatoandMiley Cyrus.
How to Be Singlecenters on young Alice (Dakota Johnson) who, after four years of college, decides she needs a break from her long-term boyfriend Josh. Excited and ready for new challenges, the eager grad moves to New York to take a job as a paralegal. Helping her navigate her way through an unfamiliar city is Robin (Rebel Wilson), a fun-loving, wild co-worker who enjoys partying and one-night stands. With Robin as her freewheeling guide, Alice can now learn how to get free drinks, meet men and enjoy the single lifestyle. The top five will be rounded out by holdoversKung Fu Panda 3($13 million), dropping from first to fourth place, andHail, Caesar!($7.6 million).
The top 10 will be rounded out byThe Revenant($6.1 million),Star Wars: The Force Awakens($4.3 million),The Choice($3 million),Pride and Prejudice and Zombies($2.8 million) andThe Finest Hours($2.2 million). Also opening in limited release this weekend is the documentaryWhere to Invade Next, Touched with Fire,Providence,Of Mind and MusicandFitor. It isn’t known if any of these movies will be expanding to a nationwide release in the weeks and months to come, but we’ll keep you posted.
Looking ahead to next weekend, three films will open in wide release, Focus Features' biopicRace, Sony’s faith-based drama Risen and A24’s horror-thrillerThe Witch. No specific theater counts have been given at this time, but they will also be going up against Oscilloscope Pictures' Embrace of the Serpent, Lionsgate’s Busco Novio Para Mi Mujer and FIP’s Neerja in limited release. Be sure to check back on Sunday for the box office estimates, and again on Tuesday for next week’s predictions. Until then, take a look at the projected top 10 for the February 12 weekend below.
