‘Black Phone 2’ Dominates North American Box Office with $26.5M
The horror sequel Black Phone 2 has taken the lead at the North American box office, earning an impressive $26.5 million during its opening weekend. This figure surpasses the debut of the original film, which garnered $23.6 million in 2021.
Performance Overview
The film’s performance is a significant boost for Blumhouse, especially after experiencing several underperforming releases this year. While the opening weekend met expectations, October box office performance remains down by approximately 11% compared to last year.
Key Opening Statistics
- Opening Weekend Revenue: $26.5 million
- International Earnings: $15.5 million from 71 territories
- Total Worldwide Launch: $42 million
- Production Budget: $30 million
The sequel, released by Universal Pictures in 3,411 theaters, has received positive reviews. Filmmaker Scott Derrickson returns, along with stars Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames. Audience demographics show that 63% of ticket buyers were aged between 18 and 34, with Hispanic viewers making up the largest segment at 39%.
Box Office Landscape
Despite a competitive weekend with other releases, Black Phone 2 emerged as the standout film. Notable competitors included:
- Tron: Ares: $11.1 million (2nd place)
- Good Fortune: $6.2 million (3rd place)
- After the Hunt: $1.6 million
Jim Orr, who leads Universal’s domestic distribution, praised the film’s success, commenting on the haunting quality of the story crafted by Derrickson and Blumhouse.
Future Prospects
Despite challenges in the horror genre this year, *Black Phone 2* could signal a resurgence for Blumhouse after previous setbacks. Upcoming releases like the sequel to *Five Nights at Freddy’s*, expected in December, may further enhance the studio’s standing in the industry.
Market Trends
The horror genre is thriving, contributing to an industry revenue of over $1.2 billion. Analysts note that this October is a typical month for the box office, focusing on awards contenders rather than blockbusters. Next weekend will introduce more films vying for critical acclaim, including Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest collaboration with Emma Stone.
As *Black Phone 2* continues its run, the film’s ability to captivate audiences could signal the potential for more horror successes as the year progresses.
