Denzel Washington is back! This time, our former government assassin Robert McCall is set against the backdrop of Italy’s picturesque landscapes, laying low, and attempting to start anew. However, it’s not long before he’s pulled into the dangerous world of the mafia, thrusting him back into the action to protect those he cherishes. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “The Equalizer 3” promises to be as thrilling as its predecessors, even if it’s expected to underperform in the box office compared to the previous two films.
Box Office Predictions
As we inch closer to “The Equalizer 3’s” debut, recent projections by Variety suggest that the movie might rake in between $28 million and $30 million in its Friday-to-Sunday release window. Furthermore, the four-day holiday duration extends that forecast to between $33 million and $40 million. It’s noteworthy that these figures don’t stand up to the first movie’s $34 million or the sequel’s $36 million.
Understanding the Dip in Projections
Cinematic history is splashed with examples where movie franchises experience either a surge or a dip in audience interest with each new installment. Take the “John Wick” series, for instance, which enjoyed escalating returns with each film. On the contrary, a more parallel case to “The Equalizer” would be the “Taken” series. Both narratives successfully transformed seasoned actors into unexpected action stars. Liam Neeson, for instance, saw his career revamped thanks to the “Taken” franchise.
However, every new chapter of “Taken” brought in diminished critical acclaim and box office collections. Interestingly, “The Equalizer” series held a steadier rapport with critics, with the third movie largely keeping pace with the earlier two. Additionally, “The Equalizer 2” managed to marginally outdo the original in financial terms.
So, if the content quality isn’t the hiccup, what is?
External Factors at Play
A primary hurdle for “The Equalizer 3” is the unfortunate timing of the SAG-AFTRA strike, rendering Denzel Washington unavailable for film promotions. The significance of star-studded promotions can’t be understated, often swaying box office outcomes considerably. With Washington out of the promotional picture, it’s logical to anticipate a dip in ticket sales.
Moreover, the pandemic has undeniably redefined audience preferences, leaning more towards streaming platforms for their movie fixes. This shift in behavior might have trained viewers to scout for titles like “The Equalizer 3” online rather than theaters.
Nevertheless, while projections seem modest compared to its antecedents, it’s reasonable to assume “The Equalizer 3” will still witness robust business during its theatrical run. The power of Denzel Washington, combined with the film’s established fanbase, ensures that it won’t go unnoticed in the cinematic arena.
