Equalizer 3 Makes a Powerful Entrance

The third installment in the Denzel Washington-led Equalizer franchise dominated the domestic box office this weekend, capturing $34.5 million in revenue, according to studio estimates on Sunday. Sony expects the total to reach $42 million by the end of the Monday holiday. The summer movie season, which witnessed record-breaking performances by movies like Barbie and Oppenheimer, is set to surpass $4 billion in ticket sales, marking the first time since the pandemic hit.

The Equalizer 3 hit theaters amidst a challenging time for Hollywood. With actors seven weeks into a strike against major entertainment companies and theaters facing a potentially depleted fall season, the movie released without Denzel Washington’s promotional efforts. However, as part of a recognizable franchise, the film received positive feedback from critics (76% on Rotten Tomatoes) as well as overwhelmingly positive reviews from audiences, earning an A on CinemaScore and a five-star PostTrak rating. It was directed by Antoine Fuqua and featured Denzel Washington’s character, Robert McCall, on the Amalfi coast in Italy. The film, co-financed by TSG and Eagle Pictures, had a production budget of $70 million and achieved a global debut of $60.6 million, including $26.1 million from overseas.

Here are the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released on Monday.

1. The Equalizer 3, $34.5 million.
2. Barbie, $10.6 million.
3. Blue Beetle, $7.3 million.
4. Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, $6.6 million.
5. Oppenheimer, $5.5 million.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, $4.8 million.
7. Bottoms, $3 million.
8. Meg 2: The Trench, $2.9 million.
9. Strays, $2.5 million.
10. Talk to Me, $1.8 million.

(Read more box office stories.)