We're entering the final months of 2018, and there are still a few superhero movies left to entertain audiences. Aquaman and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse are closing things out in December, but we're only a few weeks away from finally seeing Venom. Not only is this the eponymous character's second live action appearance, following 11 years after Spider-Man 3, the movie is also delving into Eddie Brock's origin story without the Web-Slinger present, so many are interested to see how this adaptation turns out. That being said, if current box office predictions are correct, Venom could become the biggest October opening of all time (not adjusted for inflation).
Early box office tracking initially put Venom at making between $30-$50 million opening weekend domestically, while last month that range increased to $55-$85 million. Now THR has passed along that Venom looks to be settling down for a potential $65 million debut, although Sony is being more conservative with its estimates, instead suggesting a $55-$65 million launch. If Venom manages to hit the $56 million mark or beyond in its first couple days, it will surpass the previous domestic October record holder Gravity, which drew in $55.8 million opening weekend, while other October heavy hitters from recent years include The Martian and Paranormal Activity 3. Venom's biggest competition that opening weekend is Warner Bros' A Star is Born, which earned critical acclaim out of the Toronto International Film Festival, but is predicted to come in second place with between $28-$30 million domestically (Warner Bros says it will be closer to $25 million).
Superhero movies are usually released in the summer movie season or the November/December period, but as we've seen with the likes of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Deadpool and Black Panther, these kind of blockbusters can be successful in more unusual times of the year. If these early predictions prove correct, Venom will count itself among that successful group, although how it ends up being received critically is a different matter. Nevertheless, Venom is one of the more well-known characters from the Marvel mythology, which ideally will help put butts in seats, and if Venom meets or exceeds these estimates, that increases the chances of a sequel moving forward.
Inspired by the Lethal Protector and Planet of the Symbiotes comic book storylines, Venom will show reporter Eddie Brock becoming bonded with his symbiote and putting his new abilities to the test against the Life Foundation, which is led by Carlton Drake and has other symbiotes lurking behind its walls. Along with Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/Venom, the movie's cast includes Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze, Reid Scott, Jenny Slate and Woody Harrelson.
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, Venom hits theaters on October 5, and if you're interested in what other movies are coming out before the year is over, head to our 2018 release schedule.
