This week’s report takes a first look at several releases scheduled for August 24, along with updates on key July titles.

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Opening Weekend Range: $70 – 90 million (up from $65-85M)

Social media and general tracking footprints continue to pace slightly behind Doctor Strange and Thor: The Dark World, but remain consistent in terms of the film’s overall positive outlook now that early critics’ reviews suggest another crowd-pleaser.

Skyscraper

Opening Weekend Range: $30 – 50 million (down from $40-60M)

A myriad of factors could still develop to help this reach the optimistic end of expectations, but the slew of male-targeted films in mid-to-late July skews models across the board. Dwayne Johnson’s latest effects-driven actioner is thus far trending more closely to Rampage than San Andreas. Given the lack of any built-in fan base (other than Johnson’s own audience), we’re not ruling a late pop in buzz closer to release.

Equalizer 2

Opening Weekend Range: $18 – 28 million (up from $15-25M)

Tracking has improved in recent weeks, but much like Skyscraper, a major holiday and a handful of films aiming for a similar audience next month could make tracking more volatile on this one. Denzel Washington’s reliable star power will be a key factor.

A.X.L.

Opening Weekend Range: $1.5 – 5 million

Early trends for this tween-driven film are comparable to past titles like Max Steel and Middle School.

The Happytime Murders

Opening Weekend Range: $14 – 24 million (first tracking)

Strong trailer reactions represent the bulk of optimism behind this R-rated Muppet comedy. Melissa McCarthy gives the film some star power to rely on, although her usual fan base isn’t likely to be in this film’s wheelhouse. Fans of Sausage Party and Team America: World Police will be the target here, and pre-release reviews will be important.

Slender Man

Opening Weekend Range: $15 – 25 million (first tracking)

The horror genre has a knack for consistent success in recent years, and early trends suggest this may be the next late summer sleeper for the genre. A PG-13 rating could go a long way toward increasing expectations. For now, a run similar to Lights Out or Don’t Breathe is on the table.

8-Week Tracking