“Candyman” is cut to the number 1 box office

LOS ANGELES (AP) – “Candyman” took first place at the American box office.

The Universal Pictures film, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, grossed an impressive $ 22.3 million over a quiet weekend despite worries about the delta variant. The R-rated horror film, co-written by Jordan Peele and directed by Nia DaCosta, delves into an urban legend who believes that if someone repeats “Candyman” five times in front of a mirror, that person would summon the killer with hooked hands.

The sequel is a follow-up to the original “Candyman” in 1992. The new film is expected to earn $ 5.23 million gross in 51 international markets.

“It was a quiet weekend, but it was another check mark in the horror success column,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst.

“Candyman” peaked at No. 1 on second place “Free Guy,” which peaked at number one at the box office the previous two weekends. The action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds as a background character in a video game, earned more than $ 13.5 million.

After “Free Guy,” the numbers start to drop substantially.

Dergarabedian said consumers are very selective in what they do outside their home, especially when it comes to entering cinemas.

“When you have new movies, whether they’re from a genre that people like horror or they have stars like Ryan Reynolds and a film that feels fantastic, people want to go out and see them,” he said. . “The other movies that are available in streaming and / or don’t get the best buzz or reviews will get in the way. It’s just the nature of this market.”

Third, “PAW Patrol” earned $ 6.6 million, a 50% drop from the film’s opening weekend number. The film Paramount, based on the popular children’s television show, has grossed more than $ 24 million.

“Jungle Cruise” ranks fourth with $ 5 million, helping the Disney action and adventure film starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt eclipse the $ 100 million mark in North America for five weeks .

“Don’t Breathe 2” grossed $ 2.8 million, “Respect,” starring Jennifer Hudson, grossed $ 2.2 million, and “The Suicide Squad” grossed just over $ 2 million.

Meanwhile, “The Protege” with Michael Keaton and Maggie Q grossed $ 1.6 million and “The Night House” grossed $ 1.2 million.

“Black Widow” barely held on to 10th place with $ 855,000. In eight weeks, the Marvel film starring Scarlett Johansson has amassed more than $ 181.5 million in North America.

Dergarabedian believes the box office could experience some growth pains in the coming weeks.

“You’ll have a very heavy box office and especially for movies that are available for streaming,” he said. “If they’re not totally fit for fashion, people will just stay home and check them out there.

“If these films at the top generate good word of mouth and goodwill with the audience to go to the movies, that’s good for the long-term business,” Dergarabedian said.

According to Comscore, estimated ticket sales from Friday to Sunday in American and Canadian cinemas. If available, the latest international issues from Friday to Sunday are also included. The final national figures will be released on Monday.

1. “Candyman,” $ 22.3 million ($ 5.2 million international).

2. “Free Guy,” $ 13.5 million ($ 37.3 million international).

3. “PAW Patrol,” $ 6.6 million ($ 10.3 million international).

4. “Jungle Cruise,” $ 5 million ($ 2.7 million international).

5. “Don’t Breathe 2,” $ 2.8 million ($ 1.6 million international).

6. “Respect,” $ 2.2 million.

7. “The Suicide Squad,” $ 2 million ($ 4.6 million international).

8. “The Protege,” $ 1.6 million.

9. “The Night House,” $ 1.2 million.

10. “Black Widow,” $ 855,000.