Netflix is taking over movie theaters on Saturday and Sunday for a special sing-along showing of its red-hot anime action film, KPop Demon Hunters.
It will appear in roughly 1,700 locations around the country (though none at AMC). Early estimates have it making more than $15 million, which could be enough to win this weekend’s box-office battle.
Zach Cregger‘s uniquely structured horror movie, Weapons, is expected to come in second place with around $13 million. If those numbers hold, KPop Demon Hunters: A Sing-Along Event would be the No. 1 movie in the country … at least, for two days.
Weapons will cross the $100 million mark soon at the domestic box-office, after earning $43 million in its first weekend and $24 million in its second weekend. It’s currently hovering at $97 million in the United States; it has additionally amassed $70 million overseas.
KPop Demon Hunters is one of Netflix’s most successful original movies of all time. It stands at 210.5 million global views and counting, behind only Red Notice, which garnered 230.9 million views in 2021. Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans directed the project, and Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo provide the speaking voices for the girl group Huntr/x, who lead double lives as demon hunters. Watch Gold Derby’s fun interview with the acting trio above.
New wide releases entering the box-office this weekend include Primitive War, Eden, Honey Don’t, Ne Zha 2, and Relay. Here’s a bit about each film:
Primitive War
In 1968, a recon unit known as Vulture Squad is sent to a remote jungle valley in Vietnam to find a missing Green Beret platoon. However, they quickly discover they are not the only ones there. Starring Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Nick Wechsler, and Jeremy Piven; directed by Luke Sparke.
Eden
The true story of a group of disillusioned outsiders who leave civilization to start a new life on a remote, uninhabited island. But they soon discover that the brutal environment and deadly wildlife are nothing compared to the threat they pose to each other. Starring Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl, and Sydney Sweeney; directed by Ron Howard.
Honey Don’t!
Honey O’Donahue, a quirky private investigator in a small town, is investigating a series of unusual deaths linked to a mysterious church. Starring Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Charlie Day; directed by Ethan Coen.
Ne Zha 2
Following some heavenly lightning, Ne Zha and Ao Bing survived as spirits but are now in danger of disappearing forever. To save them, Taiyi plans to use the Seven-colored Precious Lotus to restore their mortal bodies. This Chinese anime is the highest-grossest animated feature of all time with more than $2 billion at the worldwide box office. Starring Michelle Yeoh; directed by Zi Jiao.
Relay
A master “fixer” who operates in the shadows must abandon his code and risk everything to keep a new client safe from mortal danger. Starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James; directed by David Mackenzie.