COVID-19, HBO Max May Be Among Factors for Slow 'Suicide Squad' Box Office

The Suicide Squad, shot entirely with IMAX cameras, opened to a “disappointing” $26.5 million box office last weekend, Colliers analyst Steven Frankel wrote investors Monday. It’s unclear if the lower than expected turnout was due to “franchise burnout,” the film's availability on HBO Max for no extra charge, an “R” rating or “rising COVID-19 cases,” said the analyst. Jungle Cruise, available on premium VOD for $30 through Disney+, “held up better than expected,” reporting a 55% decline to $15.7 million since its July 30 release in theaters, “despite PVOD availability," said Frankel.