Mortal Kombat II Surges on Friday with $17 Million Opening Day in Tight Race Against Prada 2
Mortal Kombat II roared into theaters on Friday, topping the domestic box office with an opening-day haul near $17 million, including $5.2 million from previews and IMAX screenings. The action-packed sequel has ignited a fierce weekend battle with 20th Century’s female-driven hit, The Devil Wears Prada 2, which earned $9.8 million Friday and is on track for a Mother’s Day weekend surge.
This showdown marks a clear gender divide in moviegoers: male audiences dominated Mortal Kombat II viewings, making up over 75 percent of Friday’s attendees, earning it a solid B+ CinemaScore. Meanwhile, Prada 2 continues to rack up impressive numbers, boasting a current domestic total of $111.6 million and a global haul exceeding $300 million. The sequel is poised to become the biggest female-led film since Warner Bros.’ Barbie hit theaters last summer.
Box Office Projections and Industry Expectations
Tracking services suggest Mortal Kombat II could open with more than $45 million domestically this weekend, though Warner Bros. anticipated a conservative debut between $35 million and $40 million globally. Combined worldwide gross is projected between $65 million and $80 million.
The 2021 original Mortal Kombat film, released simultaneously on HBO Max due to the pandemic, delivered $23 million on opening weekend and closed its theatrical run with $42 million domestically. The sequel brings back director Simon McQuoid and adds Karl Urban as Johnny Cage, a washed-up ’90s action star forced to join a deadly tournament deciding Earthrealm’s fate.
Mother’s Day Weekend Will Decide the Box Office Crown
The weekend’s winner will likely hinge on Mother’s Day traffic, favoring The Devil Wears Prada 2 with its strong appeal to female audiences. Prada 2’s momentum follows a blockbuster summer start, complementing Mortal Kombat II’s action-heavy appeal to male viewers.
Michael Jackson Biopic Hits New Milestones
Also commanding attention, Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic is expected to exceed $35 million in its third weekend, pushing its domestic total close to $240 million and a global tally of $570 million. The film recently surpassed $216.7 million to become North America’s highest-grossing music biopic to date, not adjusted for inflation, and crossed $500 million worldwide. These numbers underscore the film’s dominant cultural impact months after release.
Other Mother’s Day Hits: Talking Sheep and Billie Eilish in 3D
Amazon MGM’s The Sheep Detectives, a talking-animal comedy-mystery featuring the voice of Hugh Jackman, enjoyed a promising domestic debut between $14 million and $15 million. The film earned an A CinemaScore and is expected to finish fourth this weekend. Executive producers include Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, renowned directors behind 2026’s Project Hail Mary.
Rounding out the top five is Paramount’s concert film Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), co-directed by James Cameron and Eilish herself. The film’s innovative 3D technology offers a selfie-level live concert experience and is tracking for an opening near $8 million, exceeding expectations.
Box Office Revenue Surge Amid Mother’s Day Crowds
The crowded Mother’s Day movie slate is driving box office revenues dramatically higher than last year, with domestic ticket sales expected to surge by more than 87 percent over the same period in 2025. As the weekend unfolds, studios and theaters are closely watching which film emerges as the dominant draw.
Ohio moviegoers and cinema lovers nationwide can expect intense competition at theaters over the weekend, with male-driven martial arts action challenging female-powerhouse drama in one of the year’s biggest box office showdowns to date.
