The highly anticipated release of “Equalizer 3” is generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry, but early projections suggest that the film’s box office opening could disappoint, marking a new franchise low.

“Equalizer 3,” starring Denzel Washington as the enigmatic vigilante Robert McCall, is the third installment in the action-packed franchise that has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. However, despite the star power and the built-in fan following, the film’s projected box office opening has raised eyebrows among industry insiders.

Analysts predict that “Equalizer 3” is set to gross approximately $15 million during its opening weekend in North America. While this figure is by no means a box office disaster, it represents a substantial decline compared to the franchise’s previous entries. “The Equalizer,” released in 2014, opened with an impressive $34.1 million, while its 2018 sequel, “The Equalizer 2,” managed a respectable $36 million debut.

The franchise’s declining opening numbers could be attributed to several factors. One of the primary concerns is the increasingly competitive landscape in the action thriller genre. “Equalizer 3” is facing stiff competition from other high-profile releases, making it challenging to secure a sizable portion of the audience.

Additionally, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to disrupt the film industry, with some moviegoers still hesitant to return to theaters. This lingering uncertainty has affected box office performance across the board.

Studio executives behind “Equalizer 3” remain cautiously optimistic about the film’s long-term prospects. They point to Denzel Washington’s enduring appeal and the franchise’s international following as factors that could help the film gain momentum in the weeks following its release.

Critics have also praised Denzel Washington’s performance, which could generate positive word-of-mouth and bolster the movie’s legs at the box office. However, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to offset the disappointing opening weekend projections.

As “Equalizer 3” gears up for its theatrical release, all eyes will be on its performance over the coming weeks. Whether it can reverse the downward trend and live up to the legacy of its predecessors remains a question that only time and audience reception will answer.