Despite a disappointing opening haul, “The Predator” easily took the weekend box-office crown.
The violent alien thriller took in an estimated $24 million in its debut, about $6 million below expectations. The latest installment of the 30-year-old sci-fi franchise cost about $88 million to make, and hopes that overseas receipts would lift it to profitability were dashed after it earned just an additional $30.7 million in 72 countries.
The 20th Century Fox FOX, +0.09% movie was plagued by bad reviews and controversy, after it was revealed that a scene featuring a registered sex offender was cut after complaints from the film’s co-star, Olivia Munn. But Fox said the scandal didn’t have an impact on its mostly male audience. “I don’t think it dissuaded anyone who wasn’t predestined to go. I think it had minimal, if any, impact,” Chris Aronson, domestic distribution president for Fox, told Variety.
The horror film “The Nun,” from AT&T’s T, -0.24% Warner Bros., placed second, with $18 million in its second week in theaters. The surprise hit has made $88 million so far in its domestic run, and $228 million globally.
Lionsgate’s LGF.A, -2.53% black comedy “A Simple Favor,” starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, beat expectations behind an audience that was 67% female, earning $16.1 million.
“White Boy Rick,” featuring Matthew McConaughey, placed fourth with $8.8 million, while Warner Bros.’ “Crazy Rich Asians” earned $8.7 million to round out the top five. It’s made about $150 million domestically over its five-week run, the best total for a Hollywood rom-com in nine years.
