Get ready for action-packed thrills as Denzel Washington‘s assassin thriller, “The Equalizer 3,” takes aim at dominating the box office charts over the Labor Day weekend. With a projected opening of $28 million to $30 million between Friday and Sunday, and an anticipated total of $33 million to $40 million throughout the four-day holiday frame, the R-rated film is set to make its mark.
As the sole new nationwide release for the weekend, “Equalizer 3” is poised to swiftly dethrone the reigning champion, Sony‘s racing drama “Gran Turismo.” Despite a solid debut of $17.4 million, “Gran Turismo” is predicted to add $7 million to $9 million in its second weekend.
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In a remarkable turn of events, “Barbie” is on the verge of surpassing “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” to become the highest-grossing worldwide release of the year, with a staggering $1.34 billion in box office earnings. Additionally, Christopher Nolan‘s epic “Oppenheimer” is inching closer to the $800 million global milestone. Notably, this achievement is even more striking for a three-hour historical drama. The resounding success of “Oppenheimer” underscores its gripping storytelling and audience appeal.
“Equalizer 3,” co-financed by Sony, TSG, and Eagle Pictures, comes with a production cost of $70 million. While it’s targeting a slightly softer opening compared to its predecessors, 2014’s “The Equalizer” and 2018’s “The Equalizer 2,” both of which crossed the $100 million mark domestically and nearly $200 million globally, the film still holds significant potential for success.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, “Equalizer 3” marks the final installment in the series. The story picks up as Denzel Washington’s character, Robert McCall, seeks solace in Southern Italy to escape his dark past as a government assassin. However, his newfound tranquility is shattered when he discovers his friends are entangled with a local crime boss, forcing him to confront the Sicilian Mafia to protect his loved ones.
While reviews for “Equalizer 3” have been mixed, the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score of 64% aligns closely with its predecessors. Critics have applauded Washington’s performance, highlighting his compelling portrayal of McCall. The film’s blend of righteous action, visceral violence, and Washington’s undeniable swagger and charisma promise an engaging cinematic experience for audiences.
As audiences gear up for the Labor Day weekend, “Equalizer 3” stands ready to deliver heart-pounding action, suspense, and the magnetic presence of Denzel Washington. With a legacy of success behind the franchise, the third installment is poised to capture the thrill-seeking hearts of viewers, cementing its place as a formidable contender at the box office.