Universal Studios and Blumhouse’s reboot of “Wolfman,” alongside the comedy “One of Them Days” starring Keke Palmer, will vie for the top of the box office during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Projections indicate that “Wolfman” will earn between $17 million and $21 million from approximately 3,300 theaters over the four-day weekend, while “One of Them Days” is expected to bring in around $8 million from 2,650 theaters.
Premieres for both films had been canceled due to wildfires and extreme winds in Los Angeles. However, movie attendance overall seems largely unaffected by the ongoing wildfires, with some theaters, particularly in areas away from the fire, performing well. The domestic market share for Los Angeles has even increased slightly during this time, though venues closer to the disasters have experienced significant revenue declines.
“Wolfman,” directed by Leigh Whannell, is a remake of the 1941 classic about a man who transforms into a creature after being bitten. Christopher Abbott takes the lead role, while the film has faced challenges, including the departure of original stars Ryan Gosling and Derek Cianfrance earlier in the year. Box office success for “Wolfman” is uncertain, especially given recent trends where horror films in 2024 have had disappointing results, though the film potentially benefits from a modest production budget compared to prior Universal projects.
In contrast, “One of Them Days” is positioned as a comedic counterpoint to “Wolfman.” This R-rated buddy comedy follows two roommates trying to avert eviction after their rent is stolen. The film, produced by Issa Rae and directed by Lawrence Lamont, marks the feature film debut for both Keke Palmer and musician SZA.
The landscape for theatrical comedies remains challenging, with many recent films struggling to capture audiences despite positive receptions. In light of these trends, “One of Them Days” was produced on a budget of $14 million to mitigate financial risk.