Marvel and Disney can rest easy, asShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringshas landed in first place at the domestic box office once again. The Asian-led superhero film beat out horror maestroJames Wan’s latest filmMalignant, as well as other genre fare inFree GuyandCandyman. Aside from just the top spot,Shang-Chialso was able to secure a fairly strong first-to-second weekend drop in ticket sales at only 53%.
Shang-Chiearned $35.8 million in its second weekend, leading the latest Marvel installment to $145.6 million thus far at the domestic box office. The 53% decline is also critical to note, as this total is on par with several Marvel films that have been released outside of pandemic times. To compare,Black Widowhad roughly a 70% drop in its second weekend, though it must be noted thatShang-Chidoes not have a hybrid release as that film did. Mid-October is whenShang-Chishould be available through Disney+ (likely through Premier Access), as Disney gave this film (andFree Guy) a 45-day window of theatrical exclusivity.
Related:Disney Confirms Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ Will Be Released Exclusively in Theaters
Free Guywas able to snag second place upon its fifth week of release, collecting $5.8 million. TheRyan Reynoldsaction film has now earned $101.5 million domestically. It’s encouraging to see the promising performances of bothFree GuyandShang-Chi, given their exclusivity in theaters. Word of mouth has certainly helped keepFree Guyin the top five, and thankfully audiences who have wanted to catch this at home will have that chance soon, as it begins to round the bend on its theatrical run.
NewcomerMalignantwas able to debut in third place at the domestic box office, making $5.57 million. Wan directed the film which starsAnnabelle Wallisas a woman who has severe visions of individuals being murdered, only to realize that these are not merely visions. Though several critics appreciated Wan’s boldness and the risks he was willing to take inMalignant, this total is likely a bit disappointing for Warner Bros. Like all of its other 2021 releases,Malignantreceived a day-and-date release in theaters and on HBO Max. Given the word of mouth, $5.57 million is a bit surprising given the success of other horror films as of late (i.e.Candyman).
Speaking ofCandyman,Nia DaCosta’s ‘legacyquel’ earned $4.8 million in its third week of release. It has now earned $48 million domestically, an impressive total given its $25 million budget.Jungle Cruisecontinues to chug along through the box office top five, landing in fifth place with $2.4 million. Seven weeks in, it has now nabbed $109 million domestically, and is currently the fifth highest-grossing film of 2021 in the United States.
Keep Reading:That ‘Malignant’ Ending Is the Wildest Horror Set-Piece In Years; Here’s Why That Matters
