“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and Melissa McCarthy‘s “The Boss” are neck and neck in Fandango’s advanced ticket sales, giving the new comedy a shot at dethroning the superhero saga.
According to Fandango’s Fanticipation movie buzz index released on Thursday, “Batman v Superman” scored 81 out of 100 points, whereas “The Boss” tallied 80.
McCarthy’s latest R-rated comedy is also outselling “Tammy” (directed by her husband, Ben Falcone) at the same point in the respective movies’ selling cycles.
STX’s “Hardcore Henry” scored 66 points and is outselling “Hitman: Agent 47” at the same point in the sales cycle.
“Movie fans in search of a date night or girls’ night out are looking forward to Melissa McCarthy‘s latest outing as ‘The Boss,'” says Fandango managing editor Erik Davis, “while action fans will revisit the big-screen showdown between Batman and Superman in its third weekend or plan to take a wildly innovative ride with ‘Hardcore Henry.'”
On Tuesday, TheWrap reported that turnout for the Henry Cavill-Ben Affleck comic book adaptation is expected to drop by half after suffering a massive decline of 69.1 percent in its second weekend. It’s projected to earn less than half of its $51.3 million from last weekend.
“The Boss,” in which McCarthy plays a disgraced industry titan who tries to redeem her reputation by building a brownie empire, is looking to open in the low $20 million range. That’s on par with the actress’ recent box office hits, including last year’s “Spy,” which opened to $29 million, and “Tammy,” which debuted to $21.6 million in 2014.
The weekend’s other wide opener, STX Entertainment’s “Hardcore Henry,” is projected to rake in $7 million to $9 million.
The Evolution of Melissa McCarthy, From 'Gilmore Girls' to 'Ghostbusters' (Photos)
The actress has come a long way since her days playing Sookie
"Go" (1999)
McCarthy made her feature film debut with a supporting role in "Go," directed by Doug Liman.
Columbia
"Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" (2000) The actress had a small role as Doris, a woman flirting with Jimmy Bosley at the crime scene.
Columbia
"Gilmore Girls" (2000-2007)
McCarthy was cast as Sookie St. James, the best friend of Lorelai Gilmore, in the WB television series. The series ended in 2007, and McCarthy was not asked to return for the reboot announced in February.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" (2004) McCarthy played a saleswoman in an episode titled "The Surrogate," in which Larry David gets a heart monitor and uses the device to get out of uncomfortable situations.
HBO
In 2005, McCarthy married Ben Falcone, fellow actor and future "Bridesmaids" co-star (seen here at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival).
"The Back-Up Plan" (2010) The rom-com starred Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin in the leads, but McCarthy starred as a midwife named Carol.
CBS Films
"Mike & Molly" (2010-2015) "Mike & Molly" premiered on CBS in 2010 and starred McCarthy and Billy Gardell as a couple who fall in love. The show was cancelled in January 2016.
McCarthy even earned an Oscar nomination for her role in "Bridesmaids," and presented at the 2012 ceremony with co-star Rose Byrne.
Getty Images
"This Is 40" (2012)
With Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann in the leads of Judd Apatow's comedy, McCarthy played a kid's mom who gets in a verbal argument with Rudd's character, Pete, at school.
Universal
"Identity Thief" (2013)
The film was a surprise hit at the box office, debuting to $34.5 million and grossing $134.5 million although it received terrible reviews. Jason Bateman starred in the film about a man getting his identity stolen by a woman.
Universal
"The Heat" (2013)
Directed by Paul Feig, McCarthy teamed up with Sandra Bullock to take down a mobster. The film grossed $230 million globally from a $43 million budget.
Fox
"Tammy" (2014)
The film, which received mixed reviews, had McCarthy in the role of a recently-unemployed woman who goes on a road trip with her alcoholic grandmother. The film made $84.5 million domestically.
McCarthy stars as a disgraced industry titan who goes to prison for insider trading. She then tries to redeem herself by starting a new empire with brownies.