Theater counts: Guardians of the Galaxy remains the widest release

May 11, 2023

After making its theatrical debut in 4,450 theaters last week, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 holds off a handful of new wide releases this week to keep its spot as the widest release. The latest Marvel feature finished out its opening weekend by earning over $118 million domestically, while grabbing $170 million from overseas markets. So far the Chris Pratt-led superhero movie enjoys a worldwide total of $365 million, with $145 million coming out of North America. That takes the Guardians franchise over $2 billion worldwide.

This week is very different from last in that we see five new wide release films make their way into theaters. The widest of them is the sequel to 2018’s Book Club, predictably titled Book Club: The Next Chapter. Starting out in 3,508 locations, the film brings back veteran screen actresses Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen as four best friends who take their book club to Italy for a fun and relaxing trip. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.

Also opening wide this week is the sci-fi thriller Hypnotic. Releasing in 2,118 cinemas, the movie follows a detective (played by Ben Affleck) as he investigates a mystery involving his missing daughter and a secret government program. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, the film will be distributed by newcomer Ketchup Entertainment and co-stars Alice Braga, J.D. Pardo and William Fichtner among others.

Making its first foray into theaters is the satirical comedy, Fool’s Paradise. The film follows a down-on-his-luck publicist who discovers a recently-released mental health patient who looks just like a misbehaving movie star. Headlined by Charlie Day, the feature contains an impressive list of top quality movie talent, including Ken Jeong, Kate Beckinsale, Adrien Brody, Jason Sudeikis, and Ray Liotta in one of his final film roles. Fool’s Paradise will be available in 784 movie houses across North America.

One other wide release will make its first theatrical appearance this week in the animated, Rally Road Racers. We do not currently have counts for these this film, but will update if and when it does become available.

Rounding out the top five widest releases this week is The Super Mario Bros. Movie, rolling into its sixth weekend at the box office by playing in 3,800 venues. The animated adventure has so far gained nearly $522 million in domestic earnings, while collecting $654 million from international markets, taking its worldwide total well over the $1 billion mark. Coming in as the fourth-widest release is Evil Dead Rise, still playing in 2,821 cinemas; and finally, last week’s newcomer, Love Again, showing this weekend in 2,703 locations.

Looking ahead to next weekend, all eyes will be on Fast X, which will be the sole wide release and is expected to be playing in 4,000 theaters, according to Universal.

Theater Counts for May 12

Theater Counts for May 19

Bruce Nash

Filed under: Theater Counts, Guardians of the Galaxy