Movie theaters are bracing for another sluggish weekend as two new releases try to boost attendance. Paramount’s “Novocaine” and Focus Features’ “Black Bag” are expected to lead the box office, but overall earnings are unlikely to exceed $10 million, a figure last seen in February 2024.
The Super Bowl weekend on February 7 was the lowest-grossing of 2025, with “Dog Man” topping charts with $13 million and all releases totaling $55.8 million. This weekend’s outlook is grim, with “Novocaine” poised to take the top spot but struggling to reach its $10 million debut.
“Novocaine,” directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, earned $3.9 million from 3,365 locations on Friday, although projections for a $10 million opening now seem beyond reach. The R-rated film, starring Jack Quaid as a banker-turned-vigilante, has an $18 million production budget.
Meanwhile, Universal’s “Black Bag” is expected to take third place with Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender in the lead roles. The film earned $2.8 million from 2,705 theaters on Friday, despite receiving a mixed “B” grade from Cinema Score.
Warner Bros.’ “Mickey 17” will likely drop to second place, earning $2.2 million on Friday, while Disney’s “Captain America: Brave New World” takes fourth with $1.5 million. Other new releases include “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” and “Opus,” a horror film starring Ayo Edebiri, both struggling to gain traction at the box office.
With global sales lagging too, Disney’s “Brave New World” won’t be able to reach profitability in theaters. The film is now passing several MCU entries among Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/box-office-novocaine-opening-day-mickey-17-1236338166