It has enjoyed huge respect from critics, but it appears that American audiences, at least, are not swarming to Blade Runner 2049. Despite the positive buzz, the film is likely to open at $31.5 million, according to studio estimates.
Still, that was enough to let it top the charts across the pond, though it might have trouble showing legs in the face of competition – unless it can gather more word of mouth from those who have seen it. Second place was another new arrival, The Mountain Between Us, which earned $10.1 million, even with the seeming drawing power of a romance between Idris Elba and Kate Winslet.
Third was It, which has now become the first horror movie to earn more than $300 million at the US box office; the film added $9.6 million for a running Stateside total of $304.9 million. In fourth, another newbie: My Little Pony: The Movie, which didn't draw much critical love, but is hoping its fanbase is chomping at the bit. It took in $8.8 million. Rounding out the top five, last week's surprise champ (once the final figures were released) Kingsman: The Golden Circle made $8.1 million.
American Made fell from third to sixth with $8 million, while The Lego Ninjago Movie was seventh on $6.7 million. Victoria & Abdul added screens and jumped into the top 10 at eighth with $4.1 million. The Flatliners remake slumped from fifth to ninth, making $3.8 million. And finally, at 10th, Battle Of The Sexes took in $2.4 million.