Tom Cruise’s new action film “American Made” will battle “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” and “It” for box-office victory this weekend, closing out what is on pace to become a record-breaking September at the domestic box office.
Movies this month have grossed $592 million so far in the United States and Canada, putting the month on track to easily exceed the record $616 million in September in 2015, not adjusting for inflation, according to comScore. The robust ticket sales, thanks largely to New Line Cinema’s Stephen King adaptation “It,” come as a morale boost for the industry after its worst summer season in years.
The remaining question is whether Cruise, Pennywise the Clown of “It,” or the profane super-spies of “Kingsman” will reign over the box office as the month ends. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures will release its sci-fi thriller “Flatliners,” and Fox Searchlight will broaden its release of the well-reviewed tennis film “Battle of the Sexes.”
Planes, cocaine and firearms
“American Made,” about a pilot and hustler recruited by the CIA for a massive international covert operation, is expected to collect $12 million to $15 million Friday through Sunday in the U.S. and Canada, according to people who have reviewed pre-release audience surveys. The movie, released by Universal Pictures and financed by Cross Creek Pictures, is the latest stunt-fueled collaboration from Cruise and director Doug Liman, who previously made “Edge of Tomorrow” together. “American Made” is based on the true story of Barry Seal, who ran drugs for Pablo Escobar.
