Godzilla Minus Zero is heading towards a strong opening weekend at the North American box office, with the Japanese monster sequel expected to outperform new releases including Warner Bros.’ animated adaptation of The Cat in the Hat. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, Godzilla Minus Zero is projected to earn approximately $30 million from 3,254 theatres across the US and Canada during its opening weekend. The film is expected to secure the top position, marking another significant theatrical success for the Japanese franchise. The sequel follows the success of 2023’s Godzilla Minus One, which earned $11.4 million during its North American opening weekend before eventually collecting approximately $57 million domestically. The previous instalment also received widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The new film is benefiting from strong audience interest, positive early reactions and its availability on IMAX and other premium large-format screens. Its projected opening could also make it the biggest North American debut for distributor GKIDS. Meanwhile, The Cat in the Hat is expected to finish in second place with an estimated $20 million to $25 million from approximately 4,000 theatres. The animated film features Bill Hader voicing the iconic Dr Seuss character, with Warner Bros. hoping to attract family audiences during the November release period. However, early tracking has suggested a more modest opening for the animated adaptation than initially anticipated. Its performance will be closely watched as Warner Bros. introduces a new interpretation of the familiar children's character. Another newcomer, Wild Horse Nine, directed by Martin McDonagh and starring Sam Rockwell and John Malkovich, is targeting between $4 million and $7 million from around 1,000 theatres. The weekend's box office competition also includes returning titles such as Clayface and You Can See Everything, which are expected to experience declines as the new releases enter cinemas. Although the projections remain subject to change as weekend ticket sales come in, Godzilla Minus Zero is currently positioned to lead the North American box office, continuing the franchise's impressive theatrical momentum following the success of Godzilla Minus One.