The horror sequel “Black Phone 2” achieved remarkable success during its opening weekend by securing the top spot at the North American box office. The film generated $26.5 million in ticket sales, surpassing the original movie’s debut of $23.6 million.
Horror Genre Performance
This achievement marks a much-needed victory for Blumhouse Productions, especially following a series of less successful releases this year.
Despite the win, the overall movie-going experience in October has seen a decline, with attendance down about 11% compared to last year.
Box Office Statistics
Comscore’s data indicates that total box office revenue is still up by 4% year-over-year. However, a significant blockbuster that could rejuvenate box office sales is not expected until later in the year.
- Opening Weekend Earnings: $26.5 million
- Original Film’s Debut: $23.6 million
- Production Budget: $30 million
- Worldwide Launch Total: $42 million (including $15.5 million international)
- Theaters Released In: 3,411 in North America
Demographics and Audience Reception
The audience for “Black Phone 2” was predominantly between the ages of 18 and 34, according to exit polls. Notably, Hispanics represented 39% of ticket buyers, while Caucasian viewers accounted for 35%.
Jim Orr, head of domestic distribution for Universal Pictures, praised the film’s opening. He credited the collaborative efforts of Scott Derrickson and Blumhouse for creating a story that resonated with audiences.
Comparative Film Releases
While “Black Phone 2” dominated the box office, other films released simultaneously underperformed. “Good Fortune,” a comedy starring Seth Rogen and Aziz Ansari, opened in approximately 2,990 locations grossing $6.2 million. The drama “After the Hunt” also had a lackluster performance, earning only $1.6 million.
In addition, “Tron: Ares” fell 67% in its second weekend, taking in $11.1 million and securing second place overall.
Industry Insights
The current October box office landscape is characterized by a mix of award contenders and indie films, which may not generate substantial revenue but create goodwill among moviegoers.
Looking ahead, audiences can anticipate awards-season films, including “Bugonia” and a biopic on Bruce Springsteen. These upcoming releases aim to capture audience interest in a traditionally quieter movie period.
In summary, “Black Phone 2” stands as a significant entry in this year’s horror lineup, revitalizing interest in the genre and setting the stage for potential future successes.
