As the box office race heats up this weekend, uncertainty clouds the path of Sony's "Venom: The Last Dance." Despite expectations for the film to secure the top spot for its third consecutive week, projections indicate a possible haul of only around $12 million.

Meanwhile, A24's latest release, the horror film "Heretic," starring Hugh Grant, is poised to challenge this status quo, with estimates suggesting it could garner between $8 million and possibly even more from 3,200 theaters.

"Heretic," which premiered to acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), tells the gripping tale of two young Mormon missionaries who unwittingly enter a nightmarish encounter when they knock on the home of a sinister character played by Grant. The film has achieved a remarkable 94% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting critical praise. Early screenings have commenced in Salt Lake City, and wider previews will kick off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, targeting the coveted 18-34 age demographic.

In the midst of this competition, "Venom 3" showcased strong performance during the recent Election Day, earning a commendable $3.3 million, marking a 56% increase from the previous day. With its total earnings now at approximately $95.3 million, the film, directed by Kelly Marcel and featuring the charismatic Tom Hardy, is expected to reach the $100 million milestone by Friday.

Adding to the weekend's diversity is Lionsgate's adaptation of Barbara Robinson's beloved holiday favorite, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," directed by Dallas Jenkins. The family-friendly film, which has emerged with a robust 92% fresh rating from critics and an impressive 100% audience score, is estimated to pull in between $6 million and $8 million from 3,000 theaters, with some insiders predicting it might soar over the $10 million mark.

This adaptation promises to deliver a festive vibe as it depicts the chaotic hijinks of the Herdman children who disrupt their town's Christmas pageant.

Other films making a splash this weekend include "Elevation," a sci-fi thriller featuring Anthony Mackie and Monica Baccarin, debuting in 1,416 theaters, and the documentary "Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration," slated for 1,200 venues.

Additionally, the action film "Weekend in Taipei," co-written by Luc Besson and starring Luke Evans, will also enter the fray in 1,021 theaters.

In noteworthy expansions, "Anora," which recently triumphed at the Cannes Film Festival, is set to broaden its reach from 253 to 1,100 locations, marking its fourth weekend with total earnings of $4.3 million. Notably, the film boasts the year's best opening per-theater average.

As the weekend unfolds, the box office landscape promises to be exciting, with emerging talents and seasoned stars vying for viewer attention. Will "Heretic" make a mark against superhero dominance, or will it be holiday cheer that captures audiences' hearts? Stay tuned!