'Beetlejuice 2' stars, 'Speak No Evil' aims for $10 million

“Speak No Evil,” Universal and Blumhouse’s remake of the 2022 Danish horror film, is expected to gross $10 million to $13 million when it opens in theaters.

The film cost $15 million, so it will do well in theaters. But if it doesn't exceed expectations, “Speak No Evil” could remain a dull year for scary movies. Horror is usually one of the most reliable genres on the big screen, but aside from Disney's “Alien: Romulus” ($314 million worldwide) and Neon's surprise hit “Longlegs” ($103 million worldwide), recent offerings have been underwhelming at the box office.

James Watkins (“Bastille Day”) directed “Speak No Evil,” a dark comedy of manners about a couple – starring James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis – who invite two friends to their idyllic, remote country house for a vacation. When things take an unimaginably dark turn, it becomes a hell of a ride. Reviews have been positive, which may help with word of mouth.

Despite two new entries — plus Lionsgate's “The Killer's Game,” starring Dave Bautista — last weekend's winner, “Beetlejuice,” is expected to dominate again in its second outing. Ticket sales are expected to fall 60% from its huge $111 million debut, which would lead to weekend earnings of around $45 million. So far, the sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 horror-comedy classic has grossed $153 million worldwide.

“The Killer's Game” is expected to make $5 million at the box office in its debut. Directed by JJ Perry, the film follows Bautista as a seasoned assassin who learns that his fatal medical diagnosis was wrong…forcing him to fend off an assassination attempt of his own making.