“Venom: The Last Dance” aims to energize the October box office this weekend with an expected domestic opening of $65 million and $100 million in international markets, although early projections suggest it may debut with the lowest opening for the franchise in North America.
The original “Venom” film launched with a record $80.2 million in 2018, a title it held until “Joker” took the lead with $96.2 million the following year. The sequel, “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” released in October 2021, garnered $90 million, benefiting theater owners recovering from pandemic losses and marking a significant success for Sony.
Despite the potential for a lower opening, “Venom: The Last Dance” could still secure the largest debut of October 2024, particularly after “Joker: Folie à Deux” underperformed with a $37 million opening following a rare D CinemaScore. Sony remains optimistic that devoted fans will respond positively to the third installment and drive ticket sales beyond initial expectations. Reviews for the film are anticipated to be available on Wednesday. The production budget is reportedly around $120 million before marketing costs.
On Wednesday, “Venom 3” debuted in its first batch of international markets, achieving an impressive $9.3 million on its opening day in China, marking the highest opening day for a comic book film since “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” prompting Sony to revise its international opening forecast upwards to $100 million from an initial $85 million.
Directed by Kelly Marcel, “Venom 3” features Tom Hardy reprising his role as the titular character. Hardy co-wrote the screenplay with Marcel, who makes her directorial debut in this film.
Additionally, another new film debuting this weekend is the critically acclaimed Oscar contender “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger. This Vatican-focused thriller, which revolves around the election of a new pope, boasts an impressive cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. Focus Features secured domestic distribution rights for “Conclave” and will release it in 1,742 theaters. The film, which cost just under $20 million to produce, is predicted to earn between $4 million and $6 million in its opening weekend and is expected to remain competitive throughout the awards season, holding a 95 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Leave a comment