Sony’s Venom: The Last Dance extended its streak atop the North American box office with an estimated haul of $16.2 million on a notably slow weekend, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.
The horror threequel, starring the popular Tom Hardy in the titular role, benefited from major studios’ decision to avoid releasing films on a weekend when some feared the U.S. election might spark chaos. Venom has now taken in $114.8 million domestically and $279 million internationally in its three weeks out.
Lionsgate’s comedy-drama The Best Christmas Pageant Ever managed a surprise second-place showing with $11.1 million, a solid start for a film shot on a $10 million budget. Judy Greer plays the mother of the Herdman children, introduced as the six “worst kids in the history of the world,” who is tricked into directing a small-town Christmas pageant. Pete Holmes also stars in the semi-faith-based film.
A24’s new horror movie Heretic, featuring Hugh Grant in an unconventional role, opened in third place, taking in $11 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. “It was a very good opening for an original, non-series horror film… with sensational critics’ reviews,” said industry analyst David A. Gross.
Heretic tells the story of two Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who, while trying to convert a reclusive Englishman (Grant), stumble into a terrifying game designed to test their faith.
Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s family-friendly The Wild Robot extended its top-five run, earning $6.7 million to place fourth in its seventh week out. Paramount’s horror film Smile 2 dropped two spots, taking in $5 million. Made for $28 million, it has earned $60.5 million in North America.
Rounding out the top 10 were Conclave with $4.1 million, Anora earning $2.5 million, Here bringing in $2.4 million, We Live in Time at $2.2 million, and Terrifier 3 with $1.5 million.
