Terminator: Dark Fate opened atop the North American box office this weekend with a take of $29 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Monday, but analysts said that figure fell far below expectations.
After all, the sixth and latest installment in the franchise – reuniting stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton with series creator James Cameron – cost $185 million to make.
“A storied Hollywood film franchise has been terminated – at least for the foreseeable future,” said The Hollywood Reporter.
The Paramount film has grizzled warrior Sarah Connor (Hamilton) fighting to protect a young girl from a deadly Terminator arrived from the future.
Dark comic-book thriller Joker, which is in its fifth week at theaters, took $13.5 million in the Friday-to-Sunday period. Joaquin Phoenix plays Batman’s notorious nemesis in the Warner Bros film.
In third place was Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil at $13.1 million. The film once again stars Angelina Jolie playing the evil sorceress, and adds Michelle Pfeiffer as the scheming Queen Ingrith.
New biopic Harriet – the story of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and work to help free other slaves – surprised analysts with its fourth-place finish, earning $11.7 million over the weekend.
It was a strong showing for a historical drama. The film has earned a rare A+ CinemaScore rating from audiences, and British star Cynthia Erivo has earned strong reviews for her performance in the title role.
In fifth was United Artists’ computer-animated The Addams Family, at $8.3 million. The funny/spooky film features the voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Snoop Dogg and Bette Midler.
Promotional material for Terminator: Dark Fate [Cover Image: IC]
