I Can Only Imagine 2 Box Office Prediction

The faith-based sequel I Can Only Imagine 2 arrives in multiplexes February 20th with Andrew Erwin returning to direct alongside Brent McCorkle. The Lionsgate production is the follow-up to 2018’s original which massively exceeded box office projections. John Michael Finley, Trace Adkins, and Dennis Quaid reprise their roles from 8 years back. Other cast members include Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton, Arielle Kebbel, and Sammy Dell.

In March of 2018, the first Imagine (centered on the band MercyMe) was forecasted for an opening weekend in the low to mid single digits. Yet it struck a chord with Christian filmgoers to the tune of a $17 million premiere. With a rare A+ Cinemascore grade, the overall domestic haul ballooned to $86 million.

Figuring out how the follow-up will do is tricky. A best case scenario could be another significant overperformance in the mid 20s or so. There’s also the distinct possibility that the OG Imagine caught lightning in a bottle and plenty of fans may not be clamoring for part 2. Under that scenario, the floor could $10 million.

My hunch is high teens though it probably won’t leg out as impressively as its predecessor.

I Can Only Imagine 2 opening weekend prediction: $17.8 million

I Can Only Imagine Box Office Prediction

Blogger’s Note (03/14/18): I am revisiting my estimate considerably upwards to $5.4 million

Playing in theaters next weekend is the faith based drama I Can Only Imagine, which tells the story behind the making of the most popular Christian contemporary song of all time. The song shares the title of the film from the band MercyMe with J. Michael Finley as lead singer Bart Millard. Costars include Dennis Quaid, Cloris Leachman, and Trace Adkins. The directors are Andrew and Jon Erwin, makers of Woodlawn and MomsNight Out.

I’ve yet to see a theater count for Imagine, but I would guess it’ll be relatively low at about 1,000. This genre has shown the ability to over perform estimates. That said, this one seems to be generating rather meager buzz. The Erwin brothers have seen their previous two outings make about $4 million for their starts. I’ll predict Imagine doesn’t quite reach that number.

I Can Only Imagine opening weekend prediction: $5.4 million

For my Tomb Raider prediction, click here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2018/03/06/tomb-raider-box-office-prediction/

For my Love, Simon prediction, click here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2018/03/07/love-simon-box-office-prediction/