DC's "Clayface" to Open with $25-$30 Million Domestic Launch Amidst Strong Competition

Warner Bros. expects the DC Studios horror-action film "Clayface" to earn between $25 million and $30 million in its domestic opening across more than 3,400 North American theaters, with an additional $20 million to $25 million anticipated from international markets. The $44 million-budgeted picture, directed by James Watkins, follows actor Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) who seeks help from a scientist (Naomi Ackie) after his face becomes disfigured.

The release marks the third feature in the slate overseen by DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. Earlier entries included "Superman," which opened strongly last year, and "Supergirl," which posted a modest $37.1 million domestic debut on a $170 million budget. "Clayface" benefits from a considerably lower budget and has received more favorable reviews, holding a 75 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Frank Sheck of The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "a big swing that definitely pays off."

Competing for the weekend's top box-office spot is A24's documentary "You Can See Everything," about Elizabeth Holmes. The film expands to 2,600 North American theaters after an initial run in 855 venues, and industry projections estimate it will earn at least $18 million.

Other releases this weekend include Laika's stop-motion animation "Wildwood," slated for 2,926 theaters and currently holding a 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating; Sony's "Klara and the Sun," starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams under director Taika Waititi; Amazon MGM Studios' comedy "Ali G: Who Iz I?" starring Sacha Baron Cohen; and Black Bear's romantic fantasy "Wicker," featuring Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård.