What's Happening?
Universal and Blumhouse's horror sequel 'Black Phone 2' has opened with $26.5 million from 3,411 North American theaters, leading a relatively quiet weekend at the domestic box office. This performance
slightly surpasses the original 'Black Phone,' which debuted with $23 million in 2022. The sequel, featuring Ethan Hawke as the serial killer known as the Grabber, cost $30 million to produce, compared to the first film's $18 million budget. Despite decent reviews, 'Black Phone 2' received a 'B' grade on CinemaScore, slightly lower than its predecessor's 'B+' grade. The film also garnered $15.5 million internationally, bringing its global total to $42 million. Universal's president of domestic distribution, Jim Orr, noted the film's strong word-of-mouth appeal, attributing its success to the terrifying narrative crafted by Blumhouse and director Scott Derrickson.
Why It's Important?
The performance of 'Black Phone 2' is significant for Universal and Blumhouse, as it highlights the continued appeal of horror films in the post-pandemic box office landscape. Blumhouse, known for its low-budget, high-profit horror films, has faced challenges recently with less successful releases. The success of 'Black Phone 2' could signal a rebound for the studio, which has been a consistent hitmaker in Hollywood. The film's performance also reflects broader trends in the film industry, where horror films often perform well due to their dedicated fan base and relatively low production costs. However, the overall box office remains below pre-pandemic levels, indicating ongoing challenges for the industry.
What's Next?
For 'Black Phone 2' to be considered a major success, it will need to maintain its box office momentum in the coming weeks. The film's performance will be closely watched as Blumhouse prepares for the release of another sequel, 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2,' in December. The success of these films could influence future production decisions and strategies for Blumhouse and Universal. Additionally, the film's reception and box office performance may impact the studio's approach to marketing and distribution for upcoming horror releases.
