Thu Jan 09 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Mel Gibson’s “Flight Risk” Targets January Release for Box Office Success

**Los Angeles, CA** – Mel Gibson returns to the director’s chair with the action thriller *Flight Risk*, starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace. The film, originally slated for October 2024, will now debut in late January, a strategic move by Lionsgate to capitalize on a less crowded theatrical landscape.

*Flight Risk* centers on a pilot transporting an Air Marshal and a fugitive who is set to testify in a major criminal case. The January release date positions the film between the already-released *Den of Thieves: Pantera* and the Valentine’s Day premiere of *Captain America: Brave New World*, providing a clear window for potential box office success.

Box office analysts predict a domestic opening somewhere between $9.9 million (similar to *Proud Mary*) and $16.5 million (similar to *The Beekeeper*), with the potential to exceed $20 million depending on marketing and the appeal of Gibson’s return to directing. His previous directorial effort, *Hacksaw Ridge*, enjoyed a successful run thanks to positive word-of-mouth and awards season buzz.

January has historically shown mixed results for thrillers, with past releases ranging from significant successes like *The Beekeeper* and *Den of Thieves* to less profitable ventures like *The Marksman* and *Serenity*. Analysts believe *Flight Risk*’s performance will fall somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. The film’s marketing campaign will be key in determining its ultimate box office fate.

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