300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE EXPECTED TO RISE TO THE TOP

The sequel to 2007’s surprise hit 300 is expected to lead the box office this weekend, although DreamWorks Animation’s Mr. Peabody & Sherman is expected to give it some solid competition. Warner Bros.’ 300: Rise of an Empire is not expected to record anything like the $70.9 million that the original did, but it could wind up with $45-50 million and no one at Warner’s would complain about that result. Likely to play the runner-up this weekend will be DreamWorks Animation’s Mr. Peabody & Sherman. It’s expected to collect around $40-45 million. Also opening in limited release — four theaters in L.A. and New York — will be Director Wes Anderson’s much praised The Grand Budapest Hotel. It’s expected to pack theaters in the two cities where it’s playing.