Amazon MGM’s Mercy claimed the No. 1 spot at the box office with an estimated $12.6 million opening weekend from 3,468 theaters, ending the reign of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Still, the win comes amid a familiar early-year slowdown for theaters.
Winter Storms Deepen the Slump
A massive winter storm stretching from Texas to New England has placed roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population under freezing conditions, with parts of the Northeast expecting several feet of snow. The severe weather kept many moviegoers home, further dampening ticket sales nationwide.
The total domestic box office for the weekend is estimated at $58.4 million, down 13% from the same weekend in January 2025, highlighting how much the storm contributed to the sluggish turnout.
‘Mercy’ Opens Softly Despite First Place Finish
Even without the weather factor, Mercy does not appear poised for a long theatrical run. The AI thriller starring Chris Pratt opened slightly ahead of Lionsgate’s January 2025 release Flight Risk, but critical reception has been harsh. The film holds a 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were more forgiving, giving it a B- CinemaScore and an 81% audience rating.
Holiday holdovers including Avatar 3, Zootopia 2, and The Housemaid continue to dominate the top five, limiting room for new releases to break out.
‘28 Years Later’ Sequel Drops Sharply
Sony and Columbia’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple suffered a steep decline in its second weekend, earning an estimated $3.8 million, a 70% drop from its $12.5 million debut. Even accounting for weather disruptions, the sequel is struggling to reach $30 million domestically.
Disney Finds a Bright Spot
One bright note belongs to Disney’s Zootopia 2, which added $5.9 million in its ninth weekend. The film has now surpassed $400 million domestically, bolstered by its recent Oscar nomination and record-setting animated box office run.
For the latest box office updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.