Amazon MGM’s adaptation of the Colleen Hoover thriller Verity is seeing its theatrical footprint shrink significantly as it enters its third weekend of release. The film has lost exactly 500 North American theaters, reducing its screen count from 3,572 to 3,072.
The contraction follows a sharp 63% decline in ticket sales during the film’s second weekend. While the movie remains a financial success for the studio, the rapid reduction in theater availability points to a lack of long-term “legs” at the box office, often driven by word-of-mouth and audience sentiment.
Profitability Amidst the Drop-Off
Despite the loss of screens, Verity has already secured its status as a commercial hit. Produced on a reported budget of $40 million, the film has grossed approximately $119 million to $122 million worldwide to date. It initially exceeded industry expectations with a No. 1 debut at the North American box office, pulling in $32.6 million during its opening weekend.
The film’s performance keeps Anne Hathaway’s box office streak alive in what has been a prolific year for the actress, though the thriller’s rapid decline suggests it may not reach the heights of other major BookTok adaptations like Where the Crawdads Sing, which finished its run with $144 million.
Audience Reception and Theater Exit
The decision for exhibitors to pull the film from hundreds of locations is largely attributed to its reception. While Colleen Hoover’s fanbase turned out in force for the opening weekend, the film received a “C+” CinemaScore from opening-night audiences. In the industry, a “C” grade for a mainstream thriller typically indicates a polarizing response that hinders sustained ticket sales.
Directed by Michael Showalter, the film stars Hathaway as the titular Verity Crawford, alongside Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh and Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford. The narrative follows a struggling writer who uncovers a disturbing, unfinished manuscript while staying at the home of a famous author.
As Verity begins to cycle out of theaters to make room for newer titles, the focus will likely shift to its upcoming release on digital and PVOD platforms. For Amazon MGM, the film’s ability to triple its production budget in less than a month remains a win, even as its theatrical life cycle proves to be shorter than anticipated.
