What's Happening?
Blumhouse's horror sequel 'Black Phone 2' has opened to a strong $26.5 million at the North American box office, leading a relatively quiet weekend. The film, distributed by Universal, outperformed its
predecessor, which debuted with $23 million in 2022. The sequel's success is attributed to its release during the Halloween season and positive word-of-mouth, despite facing no significant competition. 'Black Phone 2' also garnered $15.5 million internationally, bringing its global total to $42 million. The film's production cost was $30 million, higher than the original's $18 million.
Why It's Important?
The success of 'Black Phone 2' is a significant win for Blumhouse, a studio known for its low-budget, high-return horror films. This performance is crucial as the studio has faced recent challenges with underperforming releases. The film's strong opening suggests a continued appetite for horror films, especially during the Halloween season, and highlights Blumhouse's ability to draw audiences with its horror offerings. The box office results also reflect the ongoing recovery of the cinema industry post-pandemic, with audiences returning to theaters for genre films.
What's Next?
With 'Black Phone 2' leading the box office, Blumhouse is likely to continue its strategy of producing horror films that capitalize on seasonal demand. The studio has another sequel, 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2,' scheduled for release in December, which could further bolster its standing in the horror genre. The film's performance may also influence other studios to consider similar release strategies for genre films, particularly during peak seasons like Halloween.
