Cinderella
"Cinderella," starring Lily James, should take the top spot at the box office this weekend over "Run All Night" and "Chappie." Reuters

“Chappie” was the biggest box office draw last weekend, but it was far from an impressive victory. Neill Blomkamp’s robot sci-fi thriller took the top spot with a disappointing $13.3 million opening over the lackluster competition of “Focus” and “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” That leaves the door wide open for a new release to take the lead, and there is little doubt that the belle of the box office ball this weekend will be Disney's live-action reboot of “Cinderella.”

“Cinderella,” directed by Kenneth Branagh (“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” “Thor”), tells the classic story of a poor servant girl, mistreated by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, who meets a prince. Lily James ("Downton Abbey") stars, with Cate Blanchett as the wicked Stepmother, Richard Madden ("Game of Thrones") as Prince Charming and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother. Though not a direct remake, the movie was heavily influenced by the classic 1950 animated film by Disney – the studio behind the new film.

With “Cinderella,” Disney hopes to replicate the success of "Maleficent," last year’s live-action reimagining of "Sleeping Beauty." The projected $60 million opening weekend for “Cinderella” would be on par with “Maleficent,” which went on to earn $758.4 million at the box office worldwide. The only catch is that “Cinderella” lacks the star power Angelina Jolie brought to last year’s fairy tale smash. However, weak competition and a weekend that sees many children on spring break could add up to big numbers.

With a slate of movies inspired by its past hits – including “The Jungle Book” next year and a just-announced “Dumbo” remake – Disney will be watching “Cinderella” to see if audiences continue to turn out for live-action takes on animated classics.

The only new competition for “Cinderella” this weekend will be “Run All Night,” which also opens in wide release Friday. It stars Liam Neeson as a hit man who must protect his son (Joel Kinnaman) after he witnesses a murder. Ed Harris plays the mob boss looking to eliminate the younger man. Analysts predict the film will take in $15 million over the weekend, which should land it in a distant second place behind “Cinderella.”

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