‘Now You See Me 3’ Tops ‘Running Man’ in Early Previews
In a competitive weekend for box office supremacy, Lionsgate’s “Now You See Me 3” leads with impressive early previews. The film grossed $2.1 million during its Thursday night screenings, showcasing strong market potential.
Comparison with “The Running Man”
Paramount’s reboot of “The Running Man” gathered $1.9 million from 3,000 theaters in the same preview timeframe. Both films are projected to surpass $20 million in their opening weekends. Critics’ reviews reflect a close race, with “The Running Man” standing at 64% and “Now You See Me 3” slightly trailing at 59% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Ratings and Audience Appeal
- “Now You See Me 3”: Rated PG-13, targeting families and couples.
- “The Running Man”: Rated R, appealing more to an adult audience.
The broader demographic appeal of “Now You See Me 3” may provide it an edge, especially as it aims to capture both family and date-night audiences.
Production Costs and Historical Context
“Now You See Me 3” has an estimated production budget exceeding $90 million before marketing and promotional costs. In comparison, the original “Running Man,” released in 1987, had a production cost of approximately $27 million and concluded its domestic run with $38.1 million.
Box Office Performance of the Original Film
| Film | Opening Weekend | Total Domestic Gross | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Running Man | $8.1 million | $38.1 million | 1987 |
Despite its strong opening, the original “Running Man” later fell behind “Three Men and a Baby” during the Thanksgiving holiday in 1987.
Industry Outlook
Both new releases face significant competition, especially with the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend. “Predator: Badlands,” another major release from 20th Century Studios, reached a total of $53.2 million in its opening week, presenting a formidable benchmark for both “Now You See Me 3” and “The Running Man.”
As the box office landscape evolves, both films will need enduring strategies to maintain momentum through the holiday season. The early numbers suggest an intriguing battle for top positioning, with “Now You See Me 3” currently in the lead.
