"Expendables 4", the latest installment from Lionsgate and Millenium, made a bad debut at the box office, raking in $3.2 million on Friday, including $750,000 from Thursday previews. Despite initial projections of a $15-17 million opening, the action-packed film, with a $100 million budget, is now estimated to bring in around $8 million. The Nun II, in its third weekend, may even surpass it.
Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham return to lead the star-studded cast, joined by familiar faces like Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture, along with fresh additions Megan Fox, 50 Cent, Tony Jaa, and others. The movie promises a new dynamic with 'new blood' joining the seasoned team of defenders.
It's been nearly a decade since the last Expendables film graced the screens. The franchise's first three installments, released in 2010, 2012, and 2014, collectively amassed an impressive $800 million worldwide. The 2014 entry opened with $15.8 million and ultimately reached $214 million globally. The original in 2010 started strong with $34.8 million, while the 2012 sequel opened at $28.5 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Critics have not been overly kind to the latest installment, with one review stating, 'This edition leans more towards a subpar Jason Statham feature, signaling a need for quality control for the actor. New cast members fail to leave a mark, suggesting it might be time to wrap up the series.'
In other releases, Sony unveils the awards hopeful 'Dumb Money,' directed by Craig Gillespie of 'I, Tonya' fame. The film delves into the GameStop stock market frenzy that captivated headlines during the pandemic, boasting a star-studded ensemble including Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Shailene Woodley, and Pete Davidson.
Meanwhile, box office standouts include New Line/Warner’s 'The Nun II,' now in its third weekend with over $160 million in earnings, and Disney's 'A Haunting in Venice,' Kenneth Branagh's third Agatha Christie-inspired film, entering its second weekend.
