James Gunn’s “Superman” is expected to easily fend off new competition this weekend, with the superhero film projected to earn around $60 million in its second weekend despite a 52% drop from its opening.
The DC reboot has shown strong weekday performance, taking in $12.9 million on Monday and $17.1 million on Tuesday for a five-day total of $155 million. Among Tuesday performances for superhero films in July, “Superman” ranks sixth behind major hits like “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and “The Dark Knight.”
Facing limited competition, “Superman” will retain premium format screens including IMAX and PLF theaters across the country.
Paramount Animation’s “Smurfs” reboot, featuring Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette, is tracking for a modest opening of $8-12 million at 3,300 theaters. The film represents Paramount’s first attempt at reviving the franchise after acquiring rights from Sony in 2020.
Previous Sony “Smurfs” films showed declining returns, with the 2011 original earning $35.6 million domestically compared to 2017’s “Smurfs: The Lost Village” which managed just $13.2 million.
The animated film, made for a net budget of $58 million, will rely heavily on international markets, particularly in Europe and Latin America, with a projected $30 million overseas opening.
Sony’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot is expected to earn $13-17 million from 3,100 theaters. The horror sequel brings back original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. alongside newcomers including Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders. The 1997 original opened with $15.8 million and earned $125.5 million worldwide.
A24’s “Eddington,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal in Ari Aster’s pandemic-era western comedy, is projected for under $5 million at 2,111 locations.
Critics have given mixed reviews to the new releases, with “Smurfs” earning 24% on Rotten Tomatoes and “I Know What You Did Last Summer” at 47%.
