Other Mommy Eyes No. 1 as Chastain Faces Sorkin

Jessica Chastain is facing herself on screen this weekend, and facing an old collaborator at the box office.

Her horror film Other Mommy is now playing in theatres and is projected to open at No. 1 at the weekend box office in the United States and Canada with around $20 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That puts it ahead of Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning, its direct rival on the calendar.

Chastain plays dual roles in Other Mommy. The story follows a family haunted by a sinister entity that looks and sounds identical to the mother, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film is based on Josh Malerman's 2024 novel Incidents Around the House, which was also its original title before the change.

Director Rob Savage said Other Mommy was chosen as a better title to launch the next iconic horror villain. The team was still in colour grade, sound mix and visual effects approvals when the trailer launched.

That trailer debuted in cinemas in front of The Odyssey. Chastain said she received funny texts from friends and family who spotted it while attending that film. It is familiar territory for her. Her prior horror credits include It Chapter Two, Mama and Crimson Peak.

The numbers have moved during the week. Industry tracking had pointed as high as $35 million for Other Mommy's opening frame, according to Boxoffice Pro. The latest projection is lower but still enough for first place. The Social Reckoning is targeting a $7 million opening weekend, according to Variety. That film stars Jeremy Strong, who takes over from Jesse Eisenberg in the Mark Zuckerberg role.

There is no feud behind the head-to-head. Chastain starred in Sorkin's 2017 film Molly's Game. She said Sorkin sent her a fun email about going up against each other and that there is no competition.

She even pitched a joint celebration. Chastain suggested a Barbenheimer-style collaboration, asking about getting Zuck in Other Mommy and doing press together. Other Mommy held its Los Angeles premiere on Thursday, ahead of its rollout on Friday, 9 October 2026.

For audiences, this means a straight choice at the counter. Horror against docudrama. Double Chastain against Zuckerberg.