Mortal Kombat II Grosses $5.2M in Previews for $35M-$45M Debut

Mortal Kombat II grossed $5.2 million in Thursday previews ahead of its wide theatrical release starting Friday, positioning the Warner Bros. action sequel for a domestic opening weekend between $35 million and $45 million.

The R-rated film, directed by Simon McQuoid, arrives exclusively in theaters two days after Mothers Day, facing stiff competition from holdover hits and new releases. Analysts project it could reach the higher end of estimates with strong word-of-mouth and premium format sales, while studio officials forecast a more conservative $35 million domestically and $30 million internationally for a global debut around $65 million. The Devil Wears Prada 2, which opened to $77 million last weekend and stands at $101.7 million domestic after seven days, is expected to earn $38 million to $42 million in its second frame, boosted by family audiences. Lionsgate's Michael, a Michael Jackson biopic with $203.9 million worldwide after two weekends, anticipates $35 million to $40 million in its third outing. Newcomers include Amazon MGM's family mystery Sheep Detectives, projected at $12 million to $20 million after $1 million in previews, and Paramount's Billie Eilish Hit Me...