Universal Pictures’ thriller Knock at the Cabin halted the seven-week No. 1 box office reign of 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water — generating as estimated $14.2 million in revenue in its weekend debut through Feb. 5.
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan and headlined by Dave Bautista (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Army of the Dead), Cabin is on track to be Shyamalan’s lowest-generating movie debut behind 2021’s Old with $16.8 million.
The movie largely out-legged the debut of Paramount Pictures’ 80 for Brady ($12.5 million) due to the weather and the studio/exhibitors’ decision to discount ticket prices to lure senior moviegoers to the sports-themed comedy. The movie’s cast is led by 80+ year-olds Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Rita Moreno and Lily Tomlin.
Paramount said the movie over-indexed in the Midwest and Southeast while under-indexing in the West. The studio contends the polar vortex arctic chill kept much of title’s audience at bay in the northeast until the thaw starts today. With strong critical reviews, 80 for Brady grossed $1.27 million in sneak Thursday screenings.
Avatar 2 finished No. 3, adding $10.8 million to a global box office haul of $2.17 billion after eight weekends — and is projected next week to pass the No. 3 all-time box office release, Titanic, also directed by James Cameron.
Universal/DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots: The Last Wish added almost $8 million in ticket sales to up its global tally past $368 million after seven weekends. The movie is also available on PVOD and PEST, priced at $19.99 and $24.99, respectively.
Lionsgate’s actioner Plane, starring Gerard Butler, continued on a profitable flight path over the weekend, adding an estimated $2.21 million in revenue to up its global tally near $29 million. The movie is also available on PVOD and PEST.