Markiplier’s self-financed feature take of videogame Iron Lung broke out on Thursday night with $3.5M in previews, we’re told. Meanwhile, Sam Raimi’s 20th Century Studios’ genre pic Send Help saw $2.2M. Iron Lung went into the weekend with $6M in presales and is expected to do around $9M-$10M. We hear that the movie cost under $3M and its P&A was bare-bones with an Instagram post from the YouTuber, and a one-sheets printed for its North American debut. Iron Lung held previews on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Send Help‘s previews are in line with Evil Dead Rise ($2.5M previews, $24.5M opening), The Amateur‘s ($2M, $14.8M opening), and higher than M. Night Shyamalan’s A Knock at the Cabin ($1.5M, $14.1M opening). Send Help‘s numbers include sneaks from last weekend.
Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios’ Melania documentary from Brett Ratner didn’t hold any previews. Showtimes start today following last night’s premiere in Washington D.C. The nonfiction movie takes place during the 20 days before Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration.
On Thursday, Black Bear’s second theatrical release, Shelter, took in $385K from 2,000 theaters. Outlook is around $5M+ for the Jason Statham movie.
There’s new of another snowstorm brewing in Mid-Atlantic, but we understand it’s not going to throw ticket sales off this weekend ala last weekend. In addition, we’re not hearing about any circuits closing due to today’s anti-ICE national protest.
Top five for the week:
- Mercy (AMZ) 3,468 theaters, Wk $14.6M/Wk 1
2. Avatar: Fire and Ash (20th) 3,150 theaters, Wk $9.1M (-57%)/Total $380.1M/Wk 6
3. Zootopia 2 (Dis) 2,930 Wk $7.4M (-49%)/Total $403.1M/Wk 9
4. The Housemaid (LG) 3,007 theaters, Wk $5.9M (-53%), Total $117.1M/Wk 6
5. 28 Years Later: Bone Temple (Sony) 3,506 theaters, Wk $4.9M (-71%)/Total $22M/Wk 2