Godzilla Sequel Leads a Crowded Box Office Forecast

Godzilla Minus Zero is expected to lead the North American box office, with forecasts putting its opening weekend take at $25 million to $30 million. The sequel is playing in about 3,250 theaters, including Imax and other premium screens, and could bring in more than $30 million overseas for a worldwide debut near $60 million. Its first day in Japan earned $5.7 million, exceeding the opening-day total for Godzilla Minus One by 201 percent, according to figures cited in the reports.

The 2023 film opened domestically with $11.4 million and went on to earn about $57 million in North America and $114 million worldwide. The new installment, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, is projected to surpass that opening. It follows the events of the earlier film, with Godzilla returning to face another monster in postwar Japan.

The animated Cat in the Hat is forecast to collect about $20 million to $25 million from 4,000 North American theaters. Its $92 million production cost makes word of mouth and a sustained run important to its prospects. The film will also open in dozens of overseas territories this weekend.

Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is projected to make about $6 million in North America over four days. Worldwide estimates vary widely, from $30 million to more than $60 million. The Indian epic is opening in 1,300 North American theaters, the widest release there for an Indian film.

Wild Horse Nine is expected to earn $4 million to $7 million in North America, while Drummer Boy is projected to take a mid-single-digit sum.