This weekend "Captain America: the Winter Soldier" is slated to defeat all competition at the box office.
The Marvel movie and sequel to 2011's "Captain America: the First Avenger" is scheduled to open in 3,938 theaters including IMAX and 3D is slated to open between $85 million and $95 million. The film would become the highest opening of 2014 and could potentially break the April record, which is currently "Fast Five's" with $86.2 million. The opening weekend for the new Marvel film would be $20 to $30 million higher than the original film. "The Winter Solider" will also benefit by its great reviews and by the fact that it made $75 million worldwide.
Darren Aronofsky's biblical film "Noah" is expected to hold on rather well after a successful $43 million opening. The film, which has posted $56 million in its opening week, is likely to make between $18 to $26 million. That could bring the film's total to $76 million.
"Divergent" is likely to take another steep fall in its third weekend. The movie has grossed $100 million thus far and could take in another $12 million this weekend, potentially bringing its total to $112 million. The film has already made its production budget, an estimated $85 million, and Lionsgate has already ordered a sequel, which is slated to begin production this summer.
Fox Searchlight is expanding "The Grand Budapest Hotel" into 1,263 theaters. The Wes Anderson picture has already made $26 million and could add another $7 million to its total gross.
Freestyle releasing is also expanding "Gods Not Dead" into 1,765 theaters. The indie film has already accumulated $24 million and could bring in another $7 million if enthusiasm is still strong.
Meanwhile, "The Muppets Most Wanted" is expected to maintain its pace. The film, which opened to a mediocre $17 million has rebounded throughout the past weekend and has already brought in $35 million. Expect the film to add $6 to its total.
The animated film "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" is also expected to continue to do good business as well. Like "The Muppets," the movie opened to disappointing numbers but word of mouth and the lack of children's movies has kept it strong. The film is expected to make $6 million this weekend and will likely bring its total to $102 million.
The weekend will also see a number of smaller releases including the 2010 Golden Globe nominee "Frankie and Allice." The film is opening in 171 locations, but is unlikely to open with more than $500,000.
Meanwhile, CBS will release "Afflicted" in 44 theaters and VOD. The film has received rave reviews but with very little marketing, it is unlikely it will play to many audiences.
Fox Searchlight is releasing "Dom Hemingway" in four theaters but based on the first two days of release the film is likely to disappoint. Meanwhile, A24 will release "Under the Skin."
Magnolia will finally release the final part of Lars Von Trier's "Nymphonmaniac" films. "Nymphomaniac Volume 2" has been on VOD for over a week and as a result most audiences have already seen it. Additionally, based on the first part's box office, "Volume 2" will likely match the total or do worse.