Melissa McCarthy’s “The Happytime Murders” grossed $950,000 at the Thursday box office from 2,500 locations.
In comparison, McCarthy’s last film, “Life of the Party,” earned $700,000 and went on to make $17 million on its opening weekend. “The Boss” grossed $985,000 at the Thursday previews in 2016, but finished with $23.6 million. Independent trackers anticipate “The Happytime Murders” to gross between $13 million and $15 million this weekend.
Here’s the official synopsis for the film: No Sesame. All Street. “The Happytime Murders” is a filthy comedy set in the underbelly of Los Angeles where puppets and humans coexist. Two clashing detectives with a shared secret, one human (McCarthy) and one puppet, are forced to work together again to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved classic puppet television show. Maya Rudolph, Joel McHale and Elizabeth Banks also star.
Brian Henson directed, with Todd Berger having written the screenplay based on a story by Berger and Dee Austin Robertson. Currently, the comedy holds a score of 25 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
“The Happytime Murders” is expected to take second place this weekend behind “Crazy Rich Asians,” which is looking to earn $18 million its second weekend at the domestic box office. So far, the film directed by Jon M. Chu has earned $51.8 million.
The only other wide release this week is Global Road Entertainment’s “A.X.L..” which is looking at a $2 million to $3 million opening. Written and directed by Oliver Daly, the adventure film stars Thomas Jane, Becky G and Alex Neustaedter.