Could a tenacious, internationally traveling detective and a famous chimp pop sensation potentially ignite the movie theaters in 2025?
To start off the new year, two major nationwide films are set to debut: “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” a suspenseful heist movie with Gerard Butler as the sheriff on a mission to crack down on crimes; and “Better Man,” a big-budget musical biopic featuring a computer-generated monkey playing the role of British singer Robbie Williams. These films are aiming to attract viewers to cinemas during the post-holiday lull. Unfortunately, wildfires in certain areas of Los Angeles might impact moviegoing in one of the U.S.’s largest film markets. Paramount has even canceled the L.A. premiere of “Better Man” due to the fires and strong winds.
In North American theaters this weekend, “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” is predicted to earn between $11 million and $13 million, while “Better Man” is expected to bring in approximately $2 million from a smaller number of screens, around 1,200. The success of “Den of Thieves 2” in taking the top spot at the domestic box office will hinge on the ongoing popularity of Disney’s “The Lion King” prequel, “Mufasa.” In its first weekend of 2025, “Mufasa” ruled the North American charts with $23.4 million and is projected to add another $12 million to $15 million in its fourth week. To date, it has grossed $170 million domestically and $478 million globally.
If “Den of Thieves 2” fails to surpass its projected earnings, it’s unlikely that its opening ticket sales will exceed those of the original, which earned $15.2 million in late January 2018 and eventually grossed $80 million worldwide throughout its entire run. Lionsgate anticipates that “Den of Thieves 2” will maintain its cinematic presence during January, a month traditionally quieter at the box office with fewer new releases. The sequel cost $40 million to produce, but Lionsgate typically reduces risk by selling foreign distribution rights for its theatrical titles.
I’m thrilled to share that Christian Gudegast, once again, penned and directed the action-packed “Pantera.” This time around, we see the return of the formidable Denzel Washington as Big Nick, a tenacious LAPD officer who’s now chasing leads in Europe. His quarry? None other than Donnie, portrayed by O’Shea Jackson Jr., a former marine with a knack for robbery, who’s planning a daring diamond heist.
Better Man,” a film purchased by Paramount for $25 million, offers an unusual perspective on the surge of musical biopics. In the last three years alone, movies about artists such as Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, and another on Bob Dylan have graced the silver screen, with one on Michael Jackson set for later this year. The narrative follows the journey of a successful local artist, but with an intriguing twist – it’s told through the eyes of a chimpanzee. According to Williams, he chose this approach as he often felt like he was “behind in evolution compared to others.
Michael Gracey, who guided “The Greatest Showman” featuring Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum to become a surprise hit, is now directing “Better Man.” This movie debuted in a limited number of theaters (only six) towards the end of December and has so far earned just $91,696. Since Williams isn’t as famous in America compared to his popularity overseas, the opinions of critics and audience reactions will play a significant role in determining “Better Man’s” commercial success. The general consensus among critics has been extremely positive, with Peter Debruge, the main film critic, stating that “remarkably, the gimmick works, setting this production apart from numerous other generic pop-star biopics.
2025 is anticipated in Hollywood as a comeback year following the pandemic and two labor disputes that significantly impacted box office earnings. January offers only a few new releases, such as Universal’s horror-thriller “Wolf Man” and Sony’s R-rated comedy “One of Them Days” featuring Keke Palmer (releasing on 17th Jan), and Lionsgate’s “Flight Risk,” where Mark Wahlberg plays a hitman (24th Jan). However, the winter season is predicted to gain momentum with Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” set for release on 14th February. Calling Sam Wilson!
Read More
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- „People who loved Dishonored and Prey are going to feel very at home.” Arkane veteran sparks appetite for new, untitled RPG
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- Destiny 2: A Closer Look at the Proposed In-Game Mailbox System
- Clash Royale Deck Discussion: Strategies and Sentiments from the Community
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Made a Christmas Movie to Help Process Her Grief
- ICP PREDICTION. ICP cryptocurrency
- Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic Was Inspired By Akira And Cowboy Bebop
- Critics Share Concerns Over Suicide Squad’s DLC Choices: Joker, Lawless, and Mrs. Freeze
- EUR IDR PREDICTION
2025-01-09 01:17