Jack Quaid’s action-comedy “ Novocaine ” topped a painfully slow weekend at the box office with $8.7 million. For theater owners, however, there’s not too much to celebrate: It’s one of the worst debuts to still capture the No. 1 spot (at least since the pandemic ground moviegoing to a halt).

Thank, God, for Snow White next weekend, right? Who knew with that movie’s controversy we’d be saying that!? However, the industry should be thankful. If Snow White pulls off a $50M+ opening, that’s a respectable bump for what is a barren desert of a business right now.

Jack Quaid's action comedy film is looking to dethrone Mickey 17 at what might be the year's softest weekend at the box office so far.