Unlike September, which plummeted following SHANG-CHI, October’s packed with powerhouse pictures post-VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE.
What’s surprising is that the film with the biggest definite interest tracking scores right now isn’t MGM/Universal/Eon’s 25th Bond episode NO TIME TO DIE (10/8) or WB/Legendary’s sci-fi epic & likely best picture Oscar contender DUNE (10/22).
Both films are tracking well, but it’s the R-rated sequel HALLOWEEN KILLS (pictured) from Universal/Miramax/Blumhouse that has the highest interest levels. Its average definite interest score is 20 points above the norm. But it’s -25F top demo, the core audience for most horror films, is a hefty 28 points over the norm! That’s the biggest interest score for anything on October’s tracking.
HK’s 10/15 opening is perfect timing to reach moviegoers just as they’re getting into the Halloween spirit. By the time the holiday arrives, those 17+ fans will be busy partying.
While HK looks like a Halloween “treat” for exhibitors, it could suffer from streaming day & date on Peacock. That last-minute move to hedge bets on moviegoers turning up could turn out to be a bad Halloween “trick.”