Pratt’s ‘Mercy’ Tops Box Office Amid US Winter Storm, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Holds Strong

Chris Pratt’s new MGM Studios thriller “Mercy” debuted at number one at the U.S. box office this weekend, despite brutal winter storms affecting large parts of the country. Pratt plays a man on trial for murdering his wife, with his fate decided by an artificial intelligence judge.

David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research noted that the weather likely impacted attendance, but praised the opening:

“Considering the extreme weather that’s closing theaters across two-thirds of the U.S. and keeping people home, it’s a very good opening. The final numbers may be lower on Monday after we see the effects of the cold and snow.”

James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash”, the third installment of the blockbuster franchise, held onto second place with $7 million in domestic earnings, bringing its U.S. and Canada total to $378.5 million and over $1 billion internationally. The film had previously opened at number one, pulling in $64 million in North America after Christmas.

Disney’s Oscar-nominated “Zootopia 2” remained in third place with $5.7 million, surpassing $400 million in domestic earnings.

Rounding out the top five:

• “The Housemaid” (Lionsgate adaptation of Freida McFadden’s novel) – $4.2 million
• “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” (fourth in the zombie horror series) – $3.6 million

The rest of the top 10 included:

• Marty Supreme – $3.5 million
• Return to Silent Hill – $3.3 million
• Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (re-release) – $2 million
• Hamnet – $2 million
• Primate – $1.6 million

Despite the weather disruptions, analysts said the weekend results were strong, showing robust interest in both new releases and returning franchises.