Theater counts: Rise of Gru remains widest release as Thor: Love and Thunder rumbles into theaters

July 7, 2022

Another week, another blockbuster movie arriving to theaters. This week we see the debut of Thor: Love and Thunder. The film is the second of three planned Marvel Cinematic Universe films set for release in 2022 after Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and before the November release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Love and Thunder, which has already stirred up $15.7 million from 17 overseas territories starting Wednesday, opens in 4,375 theaters in North America (including IMAX locations) on Friday. The movie features a large ensemble cast, headlined by Chris Hemsworth.

Current box office leader Minions: The Rise of Gru had an impressive opening week, pulling in just over $107 million in its first three days, and $123 million over the expanded fourth of July weekend. The animated prequel enjoys domestic earnings of over $154 million after only six days. The film adds 36 locations this week to bring its second week theater count to 4,427 and once again securing its place as the widest release. Coming in as the third-widest release this week is Elvis, which is available in 3,714 locations, while our fourth-place spot goes to the $1+ billion worldwide earner, Top Gun: Maverick, which plays in 3,513 theaters this week. Rounding out the top five is Jurassic World: Dominion which drops from 3,801 theaters last week, to 3,251 cinemas this week.

Showing in limited release this week is the documentary Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel. Debuting in 14 theaters, the film takes viewers through the hotel’s storied halls exploring its living body and the bohemian origins that contributed to its mythical stature. Also opening in one location this week is Moon, 66 Questions. The drama follows twenty-something Artemis, who after years of distance, tentatively decides to return to Athens and care for her father, Paris, after his recent decline in health. Lastly, the French drama Both Sides of the Blade will release in four cinemas.

We’ll see plenty of options hitting theaters next week as three new wide releases make their way to domestic audiences. Arriving in a projected 900 locations is the 1950s drama, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris starring Lesley Manville as Mrs. Harris. Next is the southern crime thriller Where the Crawdads Sing. The film starring Daisy Edgar-Jones is set to arrive in about 3,300 movie houses. Lastly, from Paramount Pictures comes the animated adventure comedy, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank which is expected reach 3,400 locations.

Theater Counts for July 8

Estimates for July 15

Bruce Nash

Filed under: Theater Counts, Jurassic Park, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor, Minions, Top Gun, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Chris Hemsworth, Lesley Manville, Daisy Edgar-Jones