Theater Counts: Inferno in 3,576 This Weekend, and Maybe Two Films in 4,000 Next Weekend

October 27, 2016

Inferno gets the blockbuster Fall season started this weekend with a roll-out in 3,576 theaters. Although it’s not expected to set any records, it is the first film released since the Summer season that’s aimed firmly at all four demographic quadrants. Anything over $30 million this weekend would be a very welcome sign for the studios as they eye the next couple of months, particularly with two potential giants opening next weekend, both of which could debut in over 4,000 theaters…

Currently eyeing the most theaters next weekend is Trolls, which Fox is predicting will debut in about 3,950 locations. Doctor Strange isn’t far behind with 3,800 theaters estimated by Disney. Since films generally exceed their estimates, it would be no surprise to see both films hit the 4,000-theater mark, which would be an industry first. The closest we’ve come to having two 4,000-theater openers was July 22 of this year, when Star Trek Beyond launched in 3,928 venues and Ice Age: Collision Course hit 3,992. Doctor Strange is the overwhelming favorite to win the weekend, even if it doesn’t get the widest release.

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