Theater counts: Red One overcomes a wickedly big weekend to remain widest release

November 21, 2024

The weekend before the Thanksgiving holiday is typically a big one, and this year is no exception. After an opening weekend that provided newcomer Red One with moderate success, the film will be one and done at the top of the box office, with the debut of Wicked and Gladiator II, which many suggest could be the biggest weekend since the “Barbenheimer” weekend during the summer of 2023. That said, the Dwayne Johnson feature holds on for at least one more week as the widest release in the land.

Starting out in 3,888 theaters, Wicked is the first of a two-part film adaptation directed by John M. Chu, who directed 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, and based on the popular stage musical. Set in the Land of Oz, the movie charts the early lives of Elphaba and Glinda; the former, a young woman who, misunderstood because of her green skin, has yet to discover her immense powers, and the latter, a girl raised with privilege and ambition who has yet to discover her true heart. Together, their friendship reaches a crossroads, and their lives take two very distinct paths. Universal Pictures will release the sequel, titled Wicked: Part 2 on November 21, 2025.

Speaking of sequels, the second film in the Gladiator franchise opens in 3,573 cinemas this weekend. Once again directed by veteran filmmaker Ridley Scott, Gladiator II follows the nephew of the hero Maximus, who, after witnessing his home annihilated by tyrannical emperors, must now step into the Colosseum with honor to restore glory to Rome and its people. Paul Mescal stars as Lucius, backed up by Hollywood talents Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington. The movie opened across 63 international markets last weekend to a solid $87 million. It will be available on PLF and IMAX screens throughout North America.

The third film to open in wide release this weekend is the World War II spy thriller, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. Based on a true story, the film charts the life of German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who joins a deadly plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and save millions of Jews. Landing in 1,900 venues, the historical thriller stars German stage and film actor Jonas Dassler as the title character while being directed by Todd Komarnicki.

Rounding out the top five this weekend is the aforementioned current box office champ in Red One, retaining its opening count of 4,032 theaters, once again making it the most widely available film in North America. Occupying the spot as fourth-widest release this weekend is former box office leader Venom: The Last Dance, still showing in a wide 2,558 movie houses, and lastly, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, available in 2,279 locations.

Making a midweek arrival to theaters is another sequel, in the way of the animated feature, Moana 2. Projected to begin its run in 4,100 theaters, the Oceania set film follows three years after the events of 2016’s Moana and charts the sea journey of Moana and her friends as they attempt to break the curse of Nalo on the hidden island of Motufetu.

Filed under: Theater Counts, Venom, Gladiator, Moana, Denzel Washington, Dwayne Johnson, Connie Nielsen, Ridley Scott, Pedro Pascal, Todd Komarnicki, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonas Dassler, Paul Mescal