Jared Leto’s new movie Morbius bit off $17.1 million from 4,268 theaters at the Friday box office for a projected domestic opening in the $40 million range, in line with expectations.
Friday’s haul included $5.7 million in Thursday previews.
The Sony film is based on the Marvel comic book character known as “the Living Vampire.” Insiders at Sony note that Morbius isn’t a traditional superhero pic, but more of a genre dark-action thriller. It cost a reported $75 million to make before marketing.
Director Daniel Espinosa‘s film sees Leto juggle time as the brilliant Dr. Michael Morbius — who has spent his life searching for a cure for the rare fatal blood disease that affects him — and as the blood-sucking monster he becomes, which fills his soul with horror.
Morbius has received dismal reviews, holding just a 17 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. Audiences are also mixed, giving it a C+ CinemaScore, while exit scores on PostTrak are likewise mediocre. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is 67 percent.
Matt Smith and Adria Arjona also star in Marvel’s origin story of the conflicted antihero, who gets cozy with vampire bats to treat his disorder. The cast also includes Jared Harris, Al Madrigal and Tyrese Gibson.
Morbius should have no trouble winning the weekend. Full numbers will be released Sunday morning.
April 2, 9 a.m. Updated with Friday numbers.