'Race' Could Be Sleeper For Comcast's Focus Features

While Universal (Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA))'s next few releases are highly anticipated big bets, investors know not to underestimate its specialty division Focus Features. The group may not always distribute the flashiest films, but they distribute solid ones. That could be the case with "Race."

Inspired by the life of Olympian Jesse Owens, the movie was acquired for $5 million. Even though it's not expected to pull in huge numbers, it could realistically earn double its cost. Starring Stephan James as Owens, the movie boasts a strong supporting cast including Jeremy Irons, William Hurt and in a more dramatic role "Saturday Night Live" alum Jason Sudeikis.

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Early projections have the movie making around $9 million to $10 million, but these types of films have a history of topping expectations (even if just slightly). The wild card is "Deadpool," which is expected to dominate screens once again this weekend. While "Deadpool" and "Race" play to completely different audiences, the Fox film is proving that anything is possible.

Focus' big sister studio Universal shouldn't have the same problem when it rolls out its next film, the sequel to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," in March. The same may not be true for Lions Gate/Summit (Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (USA) (NYSE: LGF)), which debuts its tentpole "Gods of Egypt" next week.

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