The box office this weekend is finally seeing some movement. The Aaron Paul flick made good profits on its Friday release, but Mr. Peabody and Sherman is looking like the weekend chart topper. On Friday, Need for Speed made a promising start with $6.6 in early profits. Its weekend projections, however are less optimistic. While Dreamworks and its partner Disney were hoping for around $25 million in weekend profits, the film is headed straight for the $18 to $19 million range, THR reports.

Aaron Paul, Kid Cudi, Need For Speed
Aaron Paul is trying to expand his Breaking Bad fame with Need For Speed.

The studio is still hoping for the flick, which cost $66million to make, to show some franchise potential, mostly from its overseas earnings. Need for Speed is expected to see a weekend rush in international markets, including China. In North America, it earned a B+ CinemaScore. However, reviewers were no less than brutal. The Fast & Furious-style action flick currently holds a 24% “rotten” rating on the review aggregator.

Watch the Need for Speed trailer below.

Need for Speed is an adaptation of the best-selling Electronic Arts game by the same name, was directed by Scott Waugh. Aaron Paul, riding the wave of his Breaking Bad success, plays Tobey Marshall, who sets off on a cross-country race to avenge the death of a friend. Imax is carrying the film, which should prove a boost to the bottom line, although poor reviews mean it’s less likely to find lasting success.


Need for Speed Promo Image
Dreamworks is hoping for more success in international waters.