“Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” is heading for as high as a $34 million opening weekend at the U.S. box office — likely enough to top a solid showing by Johnny Depp’s “Black Mass” that could reach $30 million, according to early estimates Friday.
Should initial projections hold, “The Scorch Trials” would finish the weekend in line with recent forecasts for the sci-fi sequel. The $34 million figure would be about 5% above the $32.5 million opening weekend for “The Maze Runner on the same weekend a year ago.
“Scorch Trials” started its race with an impressive $1.7 million in Thursday night showings at about 2,900 locations — 55% above the Thursday evening total for “Maze Runner.” Early estimates for opening day of “Scorch Trials” ranged from $8 million at $12 million at 3,791 sites.
Depp’s gangster pic “Black Mass” earned a notable $1.4 million — similar to the $1.2 million in previews a year ago from “Gone Girl,” which went on to an opening weekend of $37.5 million. Early estimates for for Friday’s number on “Black Mass” were in the $9 million to $11 million range at 3,188 locations.
“Black Mass,” which has evoked mostly stellar reviews for Depp followings its showings at the Telluride, Venice and Toronto festivals, was heading for as high as $30 million for weekend. That’s well above recent forecasts in the $22 million range — which remained the low end of Friday’s estimates.
I'm very surprised Scorch Trials didn't do better, it seems like the first has grown quite a following but I guess like Divergent and Hunger Games a huge increase in opening wasn't happening.
Go Johnny Depp though, finally a hit. I saw Black Mass last night and it was pretty good.
I'm not surprised. There was very little promo in my country and if it wasn't for the fact that I love Dylan, I would've only found out about the movie like a week ago.
Welp. Oh well, I'm sure the movie is fantastic so that's all that matters, plus those numbers aren't too bad. I really haven't seen much promo for it at all, just some TV and online ads but that's really it. Anyways, I would go see it this weekend and give my coins but I don't have any way to go so I'll probably have to wait until next Sunday.
Good. I wanted to see the first film before watching the second one this weekend, BUT on Google Play and iTunes, it was only available for purchase and not to rent :/
Oh well, I'm sure the movie is fantastic so that's all that matters, plus those numbers aren't too bad. I really haven't seen much promo for it at all, just some TV and online ads but that's really it. Anyways, I would go see it this weekend and give my coins but I don't have any way to go so I'll probably have to wait until next Sunday. 
