This weekend promises an epic battle at the box office as an aging race car driver and a sinister AI doll face off, testing the waters for two under fire genres: Formula 1 racing films and horror flicks.

Industry whispers suggest that Apple Original Films' highly anticipated release, 'F1: The Movie', could soar with an impressive domestic opening of $40 million to $50 million, leaving Blumhouse’s 'M3GAN 2.0' in its rearview mirror. However, Warner Bros. is adopting a more cautious stance, projecting a high $30 million result.

Internationally, 'F1' is expected to rake in around $75 million, leading to a global debut of $115 million or more, battling against a hefty production cost rumored to exceed $200 million. The film's advantage lies in its exclusive access to IMAX screens for three weeks, along with premium formats like Dolby Cinema, ensuring a robust audience turnout. Strong presales and aggressive promotional events have also been ramping up excitement.

Featuring Brad Pitt in the lead role and helmed by Joseph Kosinski, director of 'Top Gun: Maverick', 'F1' marks a pivotal moment for Apple as it aims to regain its footing in theatrical releases after previous misfires like 'Killers of the Flower Moon' and 'Napoleon'.

Diving into the world of Formula 1 is a daring endeavor, especially for Apple, especially considering that it has never enjoyed the same popularity in the U.S. that it has overseas. Past ventures, like Ron Howard’s 'Rush', fell flat, only managing a $26.9 million domestic haul.

On the other hand, 'Ford v Ferrari' found success with audiences in 2019, grossing $117.5 million in North America, though it focused on a different narrative. The new wave of interest in Formula 1, amplified by Netflix's hit docuseries 'Drive to Survive', bodes well for 'F1'.

In this film, Pitt stars as an injured driver returning to the track alongside a younger protege, portrayed by Damson Idris, while Javier Bardem takes on the role of the ambitious team owner.

Hans Zimmer, the acclaimed composer, lends his talents to the film’s score, promising an exhilarating audio experience.

Meanwhile, Universal anticipates a $20 million-plus opening for 'M3GAN 2.0', a significant dip from its original's $30.4 million debut in December 2023. Yet, with a production budget of just $15 million, the sequel could still prove profitable.

Returning to the haunted narrative, 'M3GAN 2.0' picks up two years after the AI doll’s bloody escapades, exploring the challenges faced by her creator, portrayed by Allison Williams, who is now a prominent advocate for AI oversight. As a more powerful AI threat arises, M3GAN makes a deadly comeback.

Directed again by Gerard Johnstone, the sequel promises to bring chills with returning cast members including McGraw and Williams, along with exciting new faces such as Grammy winner Jemaine Clement.

As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on these two films as they carve their path in a crowded cinematic landscape!