This weekend promises blockbuster showdowns as director M. Night Shyamalan releases his latest suspenseful original, “Trap,” into a competitive marketplace dominated by Marvel’s monster hit “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Starring Josh Hartnett as a serial killer captured at a concert sting, “Trap” aims to lure audiences with Shyamalan’s signature blend of mystery and mind-bending twists. Tracking puts the Warner Bros. release’s opening between $15-20 million as it tests the ongoing appetite for original horror. That debut would put it in a head-to-head with Universal’s “Twisters,” now in its third frame with over $150 million domestically.
However, it remains to be seen if “Trap” can topple the reigning champion “Deadpool & Wolverine.” In just its third weekend, the Marvel mashup looks to add another $75-95 million to swells its domestic cume past $235 million, cementing its status as a true box office juggernaut. Under director Shawn Levy, the R-rated superhero sequel crossed $500 million globally, setting a new benchmark for the franchise.
Industry insiders note that while overall revenues remain down versus last year, hits like “Deadpool & Wolverine” are breathing life into the market. Upcoming tentpoles “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” may help further close the gap.
For Shyamalan, a $15 million opening for “Trap” would match the start of his last original “Knock at the Cabin” and demonstrate continued draw for his low-budget, high-concept films. Only time will tell if moviegoers are in the mood for another surprising turn from the acclaimed filmmaker, or if they remain captivated by the Merc with a Mouth.
