If the much-anticipated debut of Sony's "Moneyball" hits one out of the park this weekend, it will have to be over the enduring roar of Disney's "The Lion King."
The 3-D re-release of the 1994 animated classic will try to remain at the top of the food chain in the low $20 million range, following last weekend's surprise $30 million opening. Huge mid-week grosses portend a minimal percentage drop and the 3-D revenue boost should keep this "Lion" king of the box office jungle, with a total of around $60 million by Sunday night.
However, Sony's "Moneyball," starring Brad Pitt in the true story of Oakland A's manager Billy Beane, has been generating notable buzz and is likely to score at least $20 million at domestic theaters.
Making a similar weekend splash of close to $20 million is Warner Bros.' heartwarming "Dolphin Tale" in 3-D, starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman. The PG-rated film will benefit from renewed interest in post-summer movie-going by the family audience, in light of last week's proud performance by "The Lion King."
Likely to nab a gross in the $15 million-plus range is Lionsgate's "Abduction," featuring "Twilight" star and teen heartthrob Taylor Lautner. Directed by John Singleton, this PG-13 thriller tells the tale of a young man looking to uncover the truth about his past.
The fifth spot, at about $12 million, should go to Open Road's "Killer Elite," starring Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Robert De Niro. The R-rated action drama is based on a true story in which a special ops agent is pitted against his former mentor.
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Paul Dergarabedian is president of the Box Office Division of Hollywood.com and provides box office analysis for The Associated Press.
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