Filmmaker Shawn Levy’s video game-inspired feature “Free Guy,” starring Ryan Reynolds, pulled in an estimated $28.4 million in its opening weekend domestically. In addition, the title snagged a further $22.5 million overseas for a worldwide total of $51 million.
Considering the current state of the world right now with the Delta variant of the pandemic forcing lockdowns in some countries, and generating concern in others, the number is seen as a win. With a production budget said to be around $100 million, the film is on its way towards a profit.
Especially impressive was that the film saw a 24% spike in ticket sales between Friday and Saturday – a first for this summer season.
Meanwhile last weekend’s winner “The Suicide Squad,” which cost twice as much as “Free Guy,” dropped to fifth place with an estimated $7.7 million. It has earned $42 million at the domestic box office and $118 million worldwide so far.
In second place was “Don’t Breathe 2,” the sequel to 2016’s well-regarded home invasion thriller by Fede Alvarez, with this follow-up snagging $10.6 million. To put that in context the first film opened to $26.4 million five years ago.
Disney’s big-budget adventure tale “Jungle Cruise” came in third with an estimated $9 million this weekend with $82 million domestically and $154 million worldwide so far. That film is also available as a Disney+ Premier Access title.
In fourth was Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson which made an estimated $8.8 million from a reported budget of $55 million.
The Hugh Jackman-led sci-fi “Reminiscence” leads the line-up of next weekend’s new titles.