Box Office Preview: 'Noah' Top Defeat 'Divergent'; 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' Could Land Third Place

"Noah" is poised to defeat all competition this weekend at the box office, taking down "Divergent."

The Darren Aronofsky picture starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly is expected to open with an estimated $40-$45 million. The film which is opening in 3,567 theaters reportedly cost $125 million. The movie has been through a number of controversies due to the liberties the writers had with the bible story. However it opened to impressive numbers worldwide. The film is expected to play to religious based audiences but also hopes to expand past that audience. Aronofsky has a fan base of his own and with positive reviews the movies is sure to cross over.

The other film opening is Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Sabotage." The film, directed by David Ayer ("Harsh Times"), scored horrible reviews and is likely to bomb at the box office. The movie which also stars Sam Worthington, Olivia Williams and Terrence Howard, is tracking low and is expected to make $6 to $8 million opening weekend. Open Road is releasing the movie in 2,486 theaters.

Lionsgate will release Diego Luna's upcoming film "Cesar Chavez." The film will be released in 664 theaters and has scored negative reviews. The Latino film is expected to make $4 million bringing another disappointing opening for Lionsgate this year. The film stars Michael Pena, Rosario Dawson and John Malkovich.

Freestyle Releasing is expanding "God's Not Dead" into 1,164 theaters and after last weekend's outstanding $9.2 million opening the film could provide some competition for "Noah." Both films are aimed at religious crowds splitting audiences' priorities. The movie has already made $12 million and could potentially double its total this weekend.

"Divergent" will remain in theaters but is expected to fall 50 percent. Most YA or tentpole films usually get most of their audience opening weekend. As a result the film which has already $68 million in its first week is likely to make $27 million. That should put the film at a comfortable $90 million.

Fox Searchlight will expand "The Grand Budapest Hotel" into 977 theaters. The film has made $15 million in limited release and is expected to open in nationwide with $11 million and potentially take third place. That would put the film at $26 million and bring it closer t become Wes Anderson's highest grossing film ever.

"Muppets Most Wanted" is expected to stumble after a lousy opening weekend. The movie is estimated to make $10 million and bring its disappointing total to $30 million.

Focus Features will also expand "Bad Words" but given the disappointing box office it is unlikely the film will generate more than $2 million.

Other films opening this weekend include Sony Classics Pictures' "The Raid 2." Based on the first films $4 million total, this film is expected to also bring in solid returns. Sony Classics Pictures will also expand "The Lunchbox" four solid weeks in limited release.

Meanwhile Tribeca Film will open "Hide Your Smiling Faces" which has scored solid reviews. Drake Doremus' latest film "Breathe In" will also get a limited release by Cohen Media group.