The North American box office is heading into another busy weekend with Universal Pictures’ romantic comedy One Night Only making an encouraging start, while Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues its extraordinary theatrical run.
Early preview figures suggest audiences are showing interest in multiple genres, from superhero spectacles to romantic comedies and comedy sequels.
One Night Only Begins With $1.35 Million in Previews
Universal’s romantic comedy One Night Only, directed by Will Gluck, earned an estimated $1.35 million through a combination of Thursday preview screenings and earlier promotional screenings.
The film collected approximately $750,000 during Thursday night previews alone.
Starring Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro, the romantic comedy follows two New Yorkers searching for love during an unusual night that changes their lives.
The film opened in 3,012 theatres across North America.
Industry analysts are projecting an opening weekend exceeding $10 million, although actual results will depend on audience turnout through Sunday.
Comparisons With Anyone But You
Industry observers have compared the film’s preview performance with Anyone But You, another romantic comedy directed by Will Gluck.
That film also earned roughly $1.35 million in previews before enjoying a lengthy and successful theatrical run.
While preview numbers can provide an early indication of audience interest, final box office performance depends on factors such as word-of-mouth, audience reception and competition.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Continues to Break Records
Meanwhile, Spider-Man: Brand New Day remains the dominant force at the North American box office.
The latest figures place the film’s domestic total at approximately $510.8 million, after adding around $29 million on Thursday.
The milestone makes it one of the fastest films to surpass $500 million in domestic ticket sales.
Industry estimates suggest the superhero blockbuster could earn around $144 million during its second weekend if it follows typical blockbuster trends.
If achieved, that would rank among the strongest second-weekend performances in North American box office history.
Super Troopers 3 Also Opens This Weekend
Searchlight Pictures is also releasing Super Troopers 3, the latest installment in the comedy franchise.
The film is opening in approximately 2,760 theatres.
Industry reports estimate preview earnings of around $350,000, with forecasts pointing toward a modest opening weekend.
The previous film in the series, released in 2018, exceeded expectations during its theatrical debut.
Horror Film Ice Cream Man Enters Theatres
Independent distributor Horror Section is launching Ice Cream Man, a horror film directed by Eli Roth, in 1,671 theatres.
The movie centres on a mysterious ice cream vendor whose treats trigger horrifying events in a quiet town.
No official preview earnings have been reported, though industry observers expect a low single-digit-million opening weekend.
Weekend Box Office Outlook
This weekend’s releases offer audiences a diverse selection of films, including:
- Romantic comedy
- Superhero action
- Comedy sequel
- Horror thriller
While Spider-Man: Brand New Day is expected to comfortably retain the number one position, the performance of One Night Only could provide an encouraging boost for the romantic comedy genre.
Final weekend figures will become clearer once complete Friday through Sunday ticket sales are reported.
