Magic Still Works: 'Now You See Me 3' Conjures Up $2M+ in Early Box Office, Edging Out 'Running Man'

**Box Office Showdown: 'Now You See Me 3' and 'Running Man' Vie for Top Spot After Strong Preview Performances**

Magic Still Works: 'Now You See Me 3' Conjures Up ...

The weekend box office is shaping up to be a thrilling race, with Lionsgate's "Now You See Me 3: Now You Don't" and Paramount's reimagining of "The Running Man" emerging as early frontrunners. Both films delivered impressive preview performances, setting the stage for a potentially tight battle for the number one position.

Magic vs. Mayhem: Preview Numbers Reveal Close Contest

"Now You See Me 3" edged out its competitor, conjuring up $2.1 million in previews, including a solid $1.75 million from Thursday showings. Sources suggest Lionsgate is optimistic about its chances of claiming the top spot this weekend. Meanwhile, "The Running Man," a $110 million production, secured a respectable $1.9 million from Thursday night screenings across 3,000 theaters.

Anticipated Weekend Grosses

Industry analysts predict both films are targeting weekend grosses in the $20 million range. However, with Thanksgiving just two weeks away, the long-term performance of each movie will be crucial. The holiday period often provides a sustained boost to box office numbers, meaning the initial weekend results are just the first act in a longer play.

Long-Term Prospects and Thanksgiving Boost

The success of "Now You See Me 3" will likely depend on its ability to attract both returning fans of the franchise and new audiences drawn to its blend of illusion and intrigue. "The Running Man," on the other hand, faces the challenge of appealing to fans of the original while also attracting a contemporary audience with its updated take on the dystopian action thriller.

The Thanksgiving Factor

The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the ultimate box office champion. Families looking for entertainment during the holiday break will have both "Now You See Me 3" and "The Running Man" as viable options, potentially leading to a surge in ticket sales for both films. Whether it's the allure of magic or the thrill of the chase, audiences are in for an exciting cinematic experience this holiday season. The coming days will reveal which film can maintain momentum and ultimately capture the box office crown.