“‘Mercy’ Targets $12M Amid Potential Winter Storm Disruption”
Amazon MGM Studios is set to release its highly anticipated dystopian thriller, Mercy, starring Chris Pratt. With a budget of $60 million, the film is expected to generate between $12 million and $15 million during its opening weekend. However, a winter storm sweeping across the United States could significantly impact these box office projections.
Box Office Forecasts for Mercy
On Thursday, Mercy earned $1.5 million in previews. The film, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and featuring Rebecca Ferguson, pits a detective, played by Pratt, against an advanced AI judge that he previously endorsed. During the film, the character has 90 minutes to prove his innocence for the murder of his wife.
- Projected Domestic Earnings: $12-$15 million
- Preview Earnings: $1.5 million
In comparison, Avatar: Fire and Ash is reportedly facing a decline of about 50% this weekend, with an expected earnings of around $7 million. This may be due to Mercy taking over IMAX screens and premium large formats.
Comparative Performance and Market Trends
While the preview figures for Mercy surpass those of similar action films, such as A Working Man ($1.1 million) and Greenland 2: Migration ($900,000), they align with industry norms for action movies. The film’s audience reception will be crucial for its longevity at the box office.
International Release and Global Footprint
This weekend marks an extensive international roll-out for Mercy, with openings in 80 territories. Starting from Wednesday, countries such as Belgium and Indonesia began screening the film. On Friday, further releases will occur in the UK, Spain, Japan, and China.
- International Locations: Belgium, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Middle East, UK, Spain, Japan, China
- Total Territories: 80
Impact of Winter Storm on Mercy’s Release
The anticipated winter storm is expected to hit multiple regions across the U.S., affecting the box office performance of Mercy. Weather forecasts predict significant snowfall and adverse conditions from Texas to the Northeast, which could deter audiences from attending theaters.
- Snow Accumulation: 8-18 inches in several metropolitan areas
- Projected Impact Areas: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Columbus, Washington, D.C.
As Mercy faces a challenging weekend ahead, the combination of inclement weather and box office competition will determine its success. Stay tuned for further updates on its performance at Filmogaz.com.
