New Line’s “It” continues to dominate at the box office, earning another $7.2 million on Thursday while newcomers “American Assassin” and “mother!” took in $915,000 and $700,000 in previews, respectively.
Liongate and CBS Films’ thriller “American Assassin” is on track to open in the $12 million to $14 million range, on a production budget of $33 million.
The action film, based on the Mitch Rapp novel series by Vince Flynn, stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton and Taylor Kitsch. It seems to be following the trajectory of 2014’s “John Wick,” which grossed $870,000 that Thursday and went on to make $14.4 million in its first weekend.
Meanwhile, director Darren Aronofsky’s trippy horror movie “mother!” — which stars Jennifer Lawrence — is also targeting a $12 million to $14 million opening on a $30 million production budget.
Paramount is releasing the movie, which also stars Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer and Ed Harris.
Last week, “It” became horror’s biggest box office hit ever, opening to $123 million and breaking several records in the process. The film adaptation of Stephen King’s famous novel is expected to float at No. 1 again this weekend.
Since its debut, the film starring Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise the Clown has grossed $158.7 million domestically. It was produced for $35 million and directed by Andy Muschietti.
Last Thursday, the film broke two more box office records: largest horror film gross on a Thursday, and largest Thursday gross in September.