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

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“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.”

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

For more news on the entertainment industry, follow me @saba_h

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