The highly anticipated horror sequel, Black Phone 2, has emerged as a dominant force at the North American box office, generating an impressive $26.5 million in its opening weekend. This figure not only eclipses the debut of its predecessor, which amassed $23.6 million, but also marks a significant win for Blumhouse Productions, following several disappointing releases this year.
Box Office Performance
Released by Universal Pictures, Black Phone 2 debuted on 3,411 screens across North America. It received favorable reviews, contributing to its successful launch. The film’s overall earnings for the weekend reached $42 million globally, fueled by another $15.5 million from 71 international markets. Its production budget was reported to be $30 million.
Audience Demographics
Audience insights reveal that 63% of ticket buyers were aged between 18 and 34. Notably, the Hispanic demographic constituted 39% of total viewers, while Caucasians made up 35%.
Industry Context
This weekend’s box office featured a slow trend for October, down approximately 11% compared to last year, according to data from Comscore. Despite this dip, the overall annual box office is still up by 4%. The industry awaits a potential blockbuster later in the year, likely by late November or December.
Comparative Analysis
Black Phone 2 was the standout title against a backdrop of other releases. Some contenders included:
- Tron: Ares – $11.1 million
- Good Fortune – $6.2 million
- After the Hunt – $1.6 million
Despite mixed reviews, Good Fortune managed to open in third position, while Tron: Ares maintained second place, accumulating a global total of $103 million.
Future Prospects for Blumhouse
Blumhouse Productions has seen a turbulent 2025, with lackluster performances from several titles. Yet, the success of Black Phone 2 offers a glimmer of hope. The studio is set to release a sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s in December, which previously earned nearly $300 million globally.
Conclusion
The horror genre has proven resilient this year, with significant contributions from films like Weapons and Sinners, which collectively grossed over $1.2 billion. With Black Phone 2 setting the pace, the future looks promising for horror and its devoted audiences as awards season approaches.
