Ghostbusters [Hopper Stone | Columbia Pictures Press Photo]
“Ghostbusters,” which took #1 at the US box office Friday, is expected to slip to #2 by the end of the weekend.
The reboot earned $17.2 million in its first day of release. Perhaps substantial enough to keep a “flop” label at bay, the tally is certainly underwhelming given the film’s hype, promotion, budget and connection to an iconic franchise.
More notably, the tally does not provide the necessary cushion against matinee-friendly “The Secret Life Of Pets.”
“Pets,” last weekend’s champion, earned $15.1 million at the Friday box office. The family-skewing film should have no trouble closing the gap — and then some — by the conclusion of the weekend.
Analysts currently expect “Pets” to close with $48-54 million in weekend receipts. “Ghostbusters” should take #2 with $42-48 million.
“Finding Dory” was #3 at the Friday box office with $3.3 million. “The Legend Of Tarzan,” which earned just under $3.3 million, ranked as the day’s #4 film. “Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates” grabbed fifth place with $2.4 million.