Despicable Me 3 set to dominate weekend BO

The summer box office this year hasn't been the friendliest to franchise films, but “Despicable Me 3” looks to buck the trend. In a record 4,529 locations — the widest domestic release ever — Illumination and Universal's threequel could land in the $90 million-$100 million range this weekend, says Variety. The studio is estimating slightly lower, around $85 million.

The franchise has grossed over $955 million domestically and $2.7 billion worldwide with the first three installations (including the “Minions” spinoff). The franchise has historically performed well overseas — this installment has already taken in $20 million internationally from six select territories over the past two weekends.

Steve Carell plays double duty in “Despicable Me 3” as the series' protagonist Gru, and now also his twin brother, Dru. The plot centers on the brothers, as they team up for a criminal heist. “South Park” co-creator Trey Parker joins the franchise to voice the villain. Critics are generally on the movie's side, earning it a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Source: Variety