Two sequels battled in theaters this weekend, but only one came out on top. The Denzel Washington-led action sequelThe Equalizer 2 upset Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again to capture the No. 1 box office spot, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The R-rated Sony flick raked in $35.8 million at North American theaters, while Mamma Mia 2 took home $34.4 million. The women-led sequel brought in $42.4 million overseas, for a global total of $76.8 million. Mamma Mia 2 met projections, but Equalizer 2 beat them, with a stronger audience than anticipated. So far, the action flick only debuted in a few countries overseas, earning $3.3 million.
The film is Washington’s first-ever sequel in his long career. The first Equalizer was considered a sleeper hit, earning $34.1 million domestically its first weekend. Both films were directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Washington reprises his role as Robert McCall four years after the 2014 original. Things have slowed down for the violent hero, who has taken up a job as a Lyft driver. These days, McCall is living the chill life of judging his passengers and transporting them to and fro, that is, until he sees some vigilante justice that needs to be served.
Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders, Melissa Leo, and Bill Pullman also star in Equalizer 2. This is Fuqua and Washington’s fourth collaboration following The Equalizer, Training Day, and The Magnificent Seven.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation took the No. 3 spot after an incredible debut last weekend, while Ant-Man and The Wasp, and Incredible 2 rounded out the Top 5. Basically, it’s been a really successful summer for sequels.
