Lionsgate has scored big at the Friday box office with the release of faith-based dramaI StillBelieve. This weekend will likely be the first of many where we see a notable slowing of box office earnings during to growing worldwide concerns over the coronavirus spread. A direct impact on domestic movie theaters is expected thanks to respective announcementsfrom AMC Theaters and Regal Cinemasthat each chain’s theater capacities will be cut in half in order to better practice social distancing to keep moviegoers safe.
In light of all ongoing public health and safety concerns, Lionsgate’sI Still Believeearned $4 million domestic through Friday, with $780,000 taken in during Thursday night previews. It averaged $1,231 per theater and opened in 3,250 theaters nationwide.I Still Believenot only did well at the Friday box office; it’s doing well with audiences, too. The pic earned an “A” CinemaScore, the highest score of any new release this weekend. The faith-based film is based on the story that inspired the Christian hit “I Still Believe” and starsRiverdale’sKJ Apaas Christian singer/songwriterJeremy CampandBritt Robertsonas Camp’s late wife.I Still Believefollows Camp and his wife, Melissa, as the couple falls in love and tries to stand strong as Melissa battles a cancer diagnosis. In addition to Apa and Robertson,I Still Believe’s cast includesGary SiniseandShania Twainas Camp’s parents andAbigail Cowen(Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Camp’s current wife, Adrienne Camp.
Speaking of new releases, we can’t forget aboutBloodshotandThe Hunt. Coming in second is theVin Diesel-led comic book adaptation earned $3.8 million domestic through Friday, with Thursday night previews totaling $1.2 million. The pic had a slightly better per theater average than #1 movieI Still Believewith $1,319 earned per theater from 2,861 theaters showing the movie nationwide. In fourth place is political satireThe Hunt, which has finally hit theatersfollowing a delayrelated to controversy over the movie’s subject matter. After bringing in $435,000 during Thursday night previews,The Huntearned $2.2 million domestic through Friday. As for CinemaScores, audiences gaveBloodshota “B” andThe Hunta “C+”.
The remaining top 5 movies at Friday’s box office includedOnwardat #3 andThe Invisible Manat #5. The Pixar fantasy featuring starringTom HollandandChris Prattconjured $3.2 million domestic on Friday, bringing its domestic total up to $53 million as it heads into its second weekend. Meanwhile,The Invisible Manscared up $1.8 million domestic, bringing its U.S. total up to $60.2 million. Made on a lean $7 million budget, this update on the classic movie monster is proving to be a rewarding investment for Universal and Blumhouse.
Check out the Friday box office Top 5 below. For more, you can read up on our reviewsofBloodshotandThe Hunt.
Domestic Total
I Still Believe
$4,000,000
$3,775,000
$3,225,000
$52,983,687
$2,210,000
The Invisible Man
$1,830,000
$60,249,685
