The box office race this weekend includes some real racing, with Aaron Paul’s Need For Speed hoping to pass 300: Rise Of An Empire. However, those two films also have to challenge Tyler Perry, whose latest hits theaters this weekend, too.
Despite getting slammed by critics, the reviews aren’t expected to keep audiences away from DreamWorks’ Need For Speed. The film is actually based on a video game and will provide Breaking Bad’s Paul with a chance to become a movie star. It’s rated PG-13, was converted to 3D and cost the studio $65 million to make. Entertainment Weekly notes that the film is expected to cross $20 million, which should be enough to top Rise Of An Empire.
If Rise drops by over half of its opening weekend gross, it would still make between $19 million and $21 million. While that could put it in the second position, Box Office Mojo predicts that Mr. Peabody & Sherman will still do well. It could even pass Rise.
The other wide release is Tyler Perry’s Single Moms Club from Lionsgate. According to Variety, trackers are expecting a $15 million to $18 million opening. That will put it in fourth place.
The Veronica Mars movie, which was funded by fans on Kickstarter, hits 300 theaters this weekend thanks to Warner Bros. If its fans come out, the movie could even reach the Top 10. You can check out our SXSW interviews with the cast of Veronica Mars here.
Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel also expands to 66 theaters this weekend.
image courtesy of EPK/DreamWorks