‘Pixels’ to top fellow newcomers ‘Paper Towns,’ ‘Southpaw’

“Pixels” is expected to edge slightly ahead of newcomers and holdovers in what likely will be another busy weekend at the summer box office.

The action-comedy, which is being released by Sony’s Columbia Pictures, is expected to debut with up to $32 million, according to people familiar with prerelease audience surveys. Sony has a more modest forecast of about $20 million for the film.

If higher tracking estimates hold, that would position “Pixels” ahead of Marvel’s “Ant-Man,” which opened at No. 1 last weekend, and new offerings “Southpaw” and “Paper Towns.”

“There’s a lot out there, and that’s good for the marketplace as a whole,” said Phil Contrino, vice president and chief analyst at BoxOffice.com. “A diverse marketplace keeps the industry healthy.”

“Pixels,” which was co-financed by LStar Capital and China Film Group, cost just under $90 million to make.

Directed by Chris Columbus (“Harry Potter”), the action-comedy follows aliens who use 1980s video games as models for their attack on Earth. It stars Adam Sandler, who also serves as a producer, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage and Josh Gad.

It also will roll out in 47 international markets, including Mexico, Brazil, Russia and France. It likely will draw in largely male audiences and families.

Meanwhile, “Ant-Man,” which reportedly cost $130 million to make, is expected to add $30 million in its second weekend.

The film stars Paul Rudd as the titular character, a thief named Scott Lang and the second superhero to take the name Ant-Man. Lang is given a second chance by the original Ant-Man (Michael Douglas). Together, they help protect the secret behind the Ant-Man suit, which enables its wearer to shrink in size while enjoying increased strength.

Though it was well-received by audiences, who gave it an A grade on audience polling firm CinemaScore, the film fell short of initial expectations with a $58 million debut.

Twentieth Century Fox’s “Paper Towns” is the latest offering from young adult author John Green.

The film follows high schooler Quentin (Nat Wolff) as he embarks on a mission with his friends to find Margo (Cara Delevingne), his crush and the most popular girl at their high school, after she disappears.

Last June, Green’s book-to-screen-adaptation of “The Fault in Our Stars,” which stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, surpassed expectations with $48.2 million in the U.S. and Canada in its opening weekend.

Like “Fault,” Green’s newest film adaptation likely will draw in females younger than 25.

It also will serve as a test of box-office might for its stars, Delevingne, a two-time Victoria’s Secret runway model, and Wolff, who also starred in “The Fault in Our Stars” and James Franco’s “Palo Alto.”

“It appeals to an audience that has a rush-out mentality — they read the book and want to see it right away,” Contrino said.

Also in theaters, The Weinstein Co. will roll out drama “Southpaw” in wide release. The Antoine Fuqua-directed film star Jake Gyllenhaal as an undefeated world champion prizefighter after a tragedy causes his life to fall apart. It co-stars Rachel McAdams.

Amid a sea of tentpoles and family films, the drama likely will attract moviegoers craving counterprogramming. The film, which cost about $30 million to make, is tracking to debut with $10 million to $13 million.

“This is a movie that will need word-of-mouth to propel people to see it,” Contrino added, noting early Oscar buzz for Gyllenhaal’s performance.

Universal Pictures’ “Trainwreck,” which opened at No. 3 last weekend, and animated film “Minions,” are both expected to hold over.

“Overall, the box office is very strong,” Contrino said.

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