What's Happening?
Zach Cregger's original horror film 'Weapons' has reached $100 million at the box office within its first week of release. With a production budget of $38 million, the film has already become profitable. 'Weapons' is one of only four horror films this year to surpass the $100 million mark, joining '28 Years Later', 'Final Destination Bloodlines', and 'Sinners'. The film's success highlights the demand for original horror content, challenging the notion that only franchise films can achieve significant box office returns. Warner Bros. and New Line are reportedly considering a prequel centered on the Aunt Gladys character.
Why It's Important?
The success of 'Weapons' underscores the viability of original horror films in a market often dominated by franchises and established IPs. This achievement may encourage studios to invest more in original content, diversifying the offerings available to audiences. The film's performance suggests that horror remains a reliable genre for box office success, even as other genres face challenges in attracting theatergoers. The potential development of a prequel indicates confidence in the film's universe and characters, which could lead to further expansion and exploration of original horror narratives.
What's Next?
With 'Weapons' achieving significant box office success, discussions about a potential prequel are underway, focusing on the Aunt Gladys character. This development could lead to a series of films expanding the 'Weapons' universe. Zach Cregger is also set to direct a fresh take on the Resident Evil franchise, with filming scheduled to begin soon and a theatrical release planned for September 18, 2026. The continued success of 'Weapons' may influence future projects and collaborations within the horror genre, encouraging filmmakers to pursue original stories.