Endgame Encore Tops $26M Weekend Amid Crowded Slate

Key points

• 'Avengers: Endgame Encore' earned $11.2 million on Friday from 3,060 screens, projecting a $26 million weekend total.
• A24's 'Primetime' took second place with $8.49 million on Friday, projecting $20.5 million for the weekend.
• Paramount's 'Heart of the Beast' followed with $7.45 million on Friday, projecting $20 million for the weekend.
• Sony's 'Resident Evil' dropped to fourth place with $6.9 million on Friday, projecting $23.5 million for the weekend.
• Universal/DreamWorks' 'Forgotten Island' opened with $4.38 million on Friday, projecting $11.5 million for the weekend.

Background

The re-release of 'Avengers: Endgame' includes new scenes tying into the upcoming 'Avengers: Doomsday' (Dec. 18). 'Primetime' faced public criticism from real-life 'To Catch a Predator' host Chris Hansen, who called the film 'bizarre' and 'detached from reality.' Hansen also bought preshow ads for his own streaming network during the film's run.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Hollywood Reporter emphasized 'Endgame Encore's' dominance and its potential to close the gap with 'Avatar' for the all-time global record. Deadline highlighted the strong previews for all four new releases, noting a potential 'three-way fight' for the top spot. TheWrap focused on the financial challenges for 'Heart of the Beast' and 'Forgotten Island' despite strong critical reception, citing high production budgets ($80M each) and lower opening numbers compared to past animated hits.

Why it matters

The weekend demonstrates the enduring power of re-releases and the competitive landscape for new releases, with 'Endgame Encore' setting up the next Marvel film while 'Primetime' and 'Heart of the Beast' test audience appetite for drama and survival thrillers.

What to watch

Watch for 'Avengers: Doomsday' (Dec. 18) and the continued performance of 'Resident Evil' and 'Forgotten Island' in their second and third weekends, respectively. Also, look for the impact of 'Primetime's' critical acclaim on its long-term box office run.