That means it looks like “Avengers: Age of Ultron” should be knocked out of the top spot after two easy and lopsided wins.
It is shaping up to be a demographic battle for the two new wide releases. “Pitch Perfect 2” has the female crowd wrapped up already, but by how much over “Mad Max: Fury Road”? the relaunch of the “Mad Max” series is rated R and that alone may help the musical comedy score a win.
The PG-13 “Pitch Perfect 2” has plenty of buzz and the cast is known. It is packed with stars including Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Katey Sagal and Elizabeth Banks.
Banks is also listed as producer and director for the second film in the series. A third entry has already been announced. These films have a niche, so count them in for sure, but word-of-mouth may be the key to get this a box office win.
Weekend
1. “Mad Max: Fury Road” – 3,550+ theaters
2. “Pitch Perfect 2” – 3,400+ theaters
3. “Good Kill” – 2 theaters
Meanwhile, Tom Hardy replaces Mel Gibson in “Mad Max: Fury Road” and many have been waiting for this one. Plus, Charlize Theron has a lead and that may help get some females into the film as well. But “Mad Max” leans heavily on the male crowd, so the female vs male films are on this weekend.
But, one cannot and should not count “Avengers: Age of Ultron” out of the race. If it continues to play well and have a smaller drop than expected in its third weekend, it could do some damage. The film will surely go over $1 billion worldwide when the weekend is over.
On the surface, one would think “Pitch Perfect 2” wouldn’t stand a chance, but the female demographic is so strong that is has to be in the conversation. A box office win this weekend may come down to which film couples decide to see.
“Mad Max: Fury Road” is produced and directed by George Miller. Males have been served well lately at the box office with the likes of “Furious 7,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and now, the latest “Mad Max.” If they sit out this weekend, “Pitch Perfect 2” sails away with a win.
