By Jonathan Landrum Jr., Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --"Candyman" hooked the top spot at the North American box office.
The Universal Pictures film starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II impressively pulled in more than $22.3 million through a quiet weekend despite concerns over the delta variant. The R-rated horror movie, co-written by Jordan Peele and directed by Nia DaCosta, delves into an urban legend that believes if someone repeats "Candyman" five times in front of a mirror, that person would summon the hook-handed killer.
The sequel is a follow up to the original "Candyman" in 1992. The new film expects to gross $5.23 million in 51 international markets.
"It was a quiet weekend, but it was another check mark in the success column for horror," Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.
"Candyman" claimed No. 1 over second place "Free Guy," which scored first place at the box office the previous two weekends. The action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds as a background character in a video game, earned more than $13.5 million.
After "Free Guy," the numbers begin to substantially drop.
Dergarabedian said consumers are being very selective in what they do outside of their homes, particularly when it comes to heading into theaters.
"When you have brand new movies, if they are of a genre that people love like horror or have star like Ryan Reynolds and a movie that's perceived to be great, people want to go out to see them," he said. "The other films that are either available on streaming and/or not getting the greatest buzz or reviews are going to drop by the wayside. It's just the nature of this marketplace."
In third place, "PAW Patrol" reeled in $6.6 million – a 50% dip from the film's opening weekend number. The Paramount film, based on the popular kids TV show, has garnered more than $24 million.
"Jungle Cruise" placed fourth with $5 million, helping the Disney action-adventure film starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt eclipse the $100 million mark in North America during a five-week span.
"Don't Breathe 2" earned $2.8 million, "Respect" starring Jennifer Hudson brought in $2.2 million and "The Suicide Squad" tallied just over $2 million.
Meanwhile, "The Protege" with Michael Keaton and Maggie Q pulled in $1.6 million and "The Night House" had $1.2 million.
"Black Widow" barely held onto the 10th spot with $855,000. In eight weeks, the Marvel film starring Scarlett Johansson has accumulated more than $181.5 million in North America.
Dergarabedian believes the box office could experience some growing pains in the coming weeks.
"You're going to have a very top-heavy box office and particularly for films that are available on streaming," he said. "If they're not totally buzzworthy, then people will just stay at home and check them out there.
"If those movies at the top are generating great word of mouth and goodwill with audiences toward going to the movie theater, that's good for the business long term," Dergarabedian said.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. "Candyman," $22.3 million ($5.2 million international).
2. "Free Guy," $13.5 million ($37.3 million international).
3. "PAW Patrol," $6.6 million ($10.3 million international).
4. "Jungle Cruise," $5 million ($2.7 million international).
5. "Don't Breathe 2," $2.8 million ($1.6 million international).
6. "Respect," $2.2 million.
7. "The Suicide Squad," $2 million ($4.6 million international).
8. "The Protege," $1,6 million.
9. "The Night House," $1.2 million.
10. "Black Widow," $855,000.
California Gov. Newsom Signs Laws To Protect Actors Against Unauthorized Use Of AI
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off Tuesday on legislation aiming at protecting Hollywood actors and performers against unauthorized artificial intelligence that could be used to create digital clones of themselves without their consent.
The new laws come as California legislators ramped up efforts this year to regulate the marquee industry that is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans but has had little to no oversight in the United States.
The laws also reflect the priorities of the Democratic governor who's walking a tightrope between protecting the public and workers against potential AI risks and nurturing the rapidly evolving homegrown industry.
"We continue to wade through uncharted territory when it comes to how AI and digital media is transforming the entertainment industry, but our North Star has always been to protect workers," Newsom said in a statement. "This legislation ensures the industry can continue thriving while strengthening protections for workers and how their likeness can or cannot be used."
Inspired by the Hollywood actors' strike last year over low wages and concerns that studios would use AI technology to replace workers, a new California law will allow performers to back out of existing contracts if vague language might allow studios to freely use AI to digitally clone their voices and likeness. The law is set to take effect in 2025 and has the support of the California Labor Federation and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA.
Another law signed by Newsom, also supported by SAG-AFTRA, prevents dead performers from being digitally cloned for commercial purposes without the permission of their estates. Supporters said the law is... Read More