“Iron Lung” Tops Previews with $3.5M, “Send Help” Earns $2.2M
Markiplier’s self-funded film, “Iron Lung,” debuted impressively with $3.5 million during its Thursday night previews. In contrast, the horror film “Send Help,” helmed by Sam Raimi and released by 20th Century Studios, garnered $2.2 million in its previews.
“Iron Lung” and “Send Help” Preview Earnings
“Iron Lung,” inspired by the popular video game, started its weekend with $6 million in presales. Forecasts suggest it could reach between $9 million and $10 million over the weekend. The film’s production budget was notably low, under $3 million. Its promotional strategy was minimal, relying mostly on a social media post and a simple one-sheet for its North American launch.
Comparison with Recent Releases
The preview earnings of “Send Help” align well with earlier 2023 releases. For context:
- “Evil Dead Rise” – $2.5 million previews, $24.5 million opening weekend.
- “The Amateur” – $2 million previews, $14.8 million opening weekend.
- “A Knock at the Cabin” – $1.5 million previews, $14.1 million opening weekend.
It’s important to note that “Send Help’s” figures incorporated sneak previews from the previous weekend.
Other Theatrical Releases
Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios premiered a documentary titled “Melania,” directed by Brett Ratner, which did not conduct previews. This film provides a glimpse into the events leading up to Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration.
Additionally, Black Bear’s second theatrical release, “Shelter,” earned $385,000 from 2,000 theaters. The projection for this Jason Statham film is around $5 million or more.
Weekend Outlook
While forecasts predict another snowstorm in the Mid-Atlantic, it is expected to have little impact on ticket sales this weekend. Furthermore, there are no reports of theaters closing due to the nationwide protests on Friday. Below is the current top five box office standings:
| Rank | Title | Theaters | Weekend Earnings | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercy (AMZ) | 3,468 | $14.6M | Week 12 |
| 2 | Avatar: Fire and Ash (20th) | 3,150 | $9.1M | Total: $380.1M |
| 3 | Zootopia 2 (Dis) | 2,930 | $7.4M | Total: $403.1M |
| 4 | The Housemaid (LG) | 3,007 | $5.9M | Total: $117.1M |
| 5 | 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Sony) | 3,506 | $4.9M | Total: $22M |
This week’s box office numbers reflect a dynamic environment for both large franchises and independent films alike.
