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An exciting weekend is in store for Harry Potter fans as the movie spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is set for a lucrative debut. Set to open further down the box office chart, expect moderate debuts for The Edge of Seventeen, Bleed For This, and the expansion of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.
The wait is over for the return of the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. Starring Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) and directed once again by David Yates (last four Harry Potter films), Fantastic Beasts is the first of five planned installments and anticipation is certainly high. The PG-13 film will play to fans of the franchise, however, its loose connection to the Potter films will prevent the movie from hitting as big of numbers. The movie should open to around $80 million this weekend with plenty ahead as we dive into the holiday season.
The Edge of Seventeen starring Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) has been earning exceptional reviews. The teen angst drama should capitalize on what critics are saying. However, its R-rating could certainly prevent the film from breaking out to a larger teenage audience. Expect an opening of $7 million for the STX Entertainment release.
Miles Teller headlines the true story boxing film Bleed For This. While the movie is earning decent reviews, they are nothing to get excited about. Add to that, the star wattage is low, and audiences completely ignored the Edgar Ramirez-Robert DeNiro boxing drama Hands of Stone only months ago. Expect more of the same for Bleed, which is looking at a likely $4 million opening.
Finally, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk is set to release in 1,100 domestic theaters, but mixed-negative reviews are really going to hurt this movie. With Hacksaw Ridge, a war drama, already pulling in audiences, there is little room for Ang Lee’s new film to break out. The ensemble cast includes Steve Martin, Kristen Stewart, Vin Diesel, and Chris Tucker. With such an interesting lineup, it is unbelievable this film won’t find a large audience. With most theaters not showing the film in its native 3D format, nor HFR, expect a middling $4 million debut.
Image: Warner Bros.
