“Flight Risk,” a gripping action thriller helmed by Mel Gibson and featuring Mark Wahlberg as a deranged, balding pilot, debuted at number one with $12 million from 3,161 theaters across North America during its first weekend.
It’s the second Lionsgate release in a row, after “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera,” to launch at No. 1 as the studio capitalizes on January’s typically bleak box office scene. For example: The runner-up was Disney’s “Mufasa,” which debuted six weeks prior. The “Lion King” prequel generated another $8.7 million from 3,420 theaters, increasing its total to $221 million in North America and $626.7 million worldwide.
“Flight Risk” had a budget of $25 million, meaning it must maintain strong ticket sales throughout its time in theaters. That may be difficult since reviewers and viewers harshly criticized the movie, which has a poor 21% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an unfavorable “C” grade on CinemaScore. This represents Gibson’s initial foray into directing since the Oscar-nominated “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016, as his career faced setbacks due to multiple off-screen controversies. Wahlberg and Gibson recently worked together on the 2022 film “Father Stu,” a faith-driven drama directed and self-financed by the star of “Ted.”
“Although moviegoers are attending, they are not finding the film impressive,” states David A. Gross, head of the movie consulting company Franchise Entertainment Research.
Another debut film, Steven Soderbergh’s ghost thriller “Presence,” faltered in sixth position, earning $3.4 million from 1,750 theaters. The inexpensive movie, purchased by Neon during last year’s Sundance, received more favorable reviews from critics (87% on Rotten Tomatoes) compared to audiences (“C+” rating on CinemaScore). Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan feature in “Presence,” narrated from the viewpoint of the ghostly being that’s haunting their newly acquired residence.
A third new national release, the inspirational drama “Brave the Dark,” failed to enter the top 10. The newest launch from “Sound of Freedom” distributor Angel Studios debuted at No. 11, earning just $2.4 million across 2,230 venues. Audiences gave the film an “A” rating on CinemaScore, which centers on a high school teacher’s attempts to assist a struggling student.
“According to Gross, inspirational dramas tend to linger in the following weeks due to favorable word-of-mouth.” “It’s an inspiring, positive tale, and viewers enjoy it.”
Sony’s R-rated buddy comedy “One of Them Days” dropped to third place, earning $8 million from 2,675 theaters, which reflects a slight 32% decrease from its debut. The movie, featuring Keke Palmer and SZA, is enjoying favorable word-of-mouth and has earned $25 million following two weekends of release.
In the meantime, the horror thriller “Wolf Man” by Universal and Blumhouse, which debuted last weekend, dropped to No. 7, earning $2 million from 3,354 theaters. Ticket sales plummeted by 72% from the film’s previously weak launch, resulting in a domestic total of $17.4 million. “Wolf Man” is not gaining traction internationally, having earned an additional $3.5 million from 75 markets on its $25 million budget, bringing its total worldwide earnings to $27 million.
In its sixth weekend, Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” earned $5.5 million, placing it in fourth place. With $226 million in North America and $425 million globally, the family-friendly threequel has surpassed 2020’s “Sonic” ($319 million) and the 2022 sequel “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” ($405 million) to become the series’ highest-grossing film.
Disney’s “Moana 2” secured the fifth spot with $4.1 million, increasing its total to $448 million after nine weeks in theaters. The animated follow-up, initially created as a Disney+ series, has exceeded $1 billion worldwide.
