“Black Phone 2” Scores $10M Debut as “Good Fortune” Stumbles
Blumhouse Productions’ horror sequel, Black Phone 2, debuted with $10.7 million over its opening weekend, which includes Friday and preview screenings. The film is projected to secure the top spot at the box office, with expectations for a total of $24.4 million by the end of the weekend.
Strong Opening for Black Phone 2
Black Phone 2 is being released across 3,411 theaters in North America. This anticipated sequel sees Ethan Hawke returning as the infamous serial killer known as the Grabber. The film’s opening is slightly ahead of the original Black Phone, which grossed $23.6 million during its debut in 2022.
- Opening Weekend Projection: $24.4 million
- Initial Friday and Preview Earnings: $10.7 million
- Original Film Earnings (2022): $23.6 million
Critics and audiences have shared positive feedback, although the sequel has garnered a Cinema Score rating of “B,” down from the original’s “B+.” The film aims to have lasting power at the box office, potentially emulating the original’s performance that reached a total of $90 million domestically.
Competition at the Box Office
In contrast, Aziz Ansari’s comedy Good Fortune struggled in its debut, landing in third place with an anticipated $5.9 million opening. The film has a budget of $30 million and features a star-studded cast, including Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, but it started with a modest $2.4 million from Friday and preview screenings.
- Good Fortune Opening Projection: $5.9 million
- Initial Earnings: $2.4 million
- Production Budget: $30 million
Disney’s Tron: Ares is also facing tough competition. After earning $3 million on Friday, it is projected to drop significantly, with weekend earnings expected around $11 million. The sequel has faced disappointing returns throughout its opening, making it challenging to recoup its $180 million production budget.
Other Notable Releases
The box office narrative continues to shift with multiple films entering the fray. One Battle After Another, a film by Paul Thomas Anderson, received a lukewarm reception, earning $59 million within 22 days of release, significantly below its $130 million production budget.
Meanwhile, Truth & Treason, a World War II thriller from Angel Studios, opened in 2,106 venues, grossing $1.1 million on Friday and is expected to end the weekend with $2.8 million. This release has received a favorable audience response, earning an “A” grade from Cinema Score.
Conclusion
The cinematic landscape remains vibrant, with Black Phone 2 poised to secure a strong performance during the Halloween season, while Good Fortune faces significant hurdles. As we move forward, Blumhouse’s upcoming releases, including Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in December, will be closely watched.
