The Box Office: A Tale of Horror Sequels and Comedy Woes
In a surprising turn of events, Blumhouse's latest horror offering, The Black Phone 2, has managed to live up to expectations, opening with a respectable $23 million. While this number might not seem extraordinary, it's a welcome change for the studio, which has been experiencing a dry spell at the box office. The original Black Phone film, released in 2021, had a similar opening, and this sequel's performance could indicate a potential franchise in the making.
However, here's where it gets controversial: will The Black Phone 2 have the staying power of its predecessor? With a projected domestic gross of $50-60 million, it seems unlikely to match the original's $91 million. But hey, it's still a solid showing for a horror sequel, right?
And this is the part most people miss: comedies are struggling to find their audience in theaters. Good Fortune, starring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, is expected to have a weak opening, despite its impressive B+ CinemaScore. It seems audiences prefer their laughs at home these days. Tron: Ares, on the other hand, is poised to take second place, with a projected $11.5 million second weekend, though its steep 65% decline in week 2 is a cause for concern.
As for the rest of the lineup, After the Hunt, led by Julia Roberts, seems to be another star-led film that's missing the mark commercially, with a disappointing C-minus CinemaScore. The Smashing Machine and Roofman have also failed to impress at the box office. Meanwhile, One Battle After Another continues to attract viewers, adding to its impressive total.
So, what's your take on these box office updates? Do you think The Black Phone 2 has what it takes to become a horror franchise? And will comedies ever find their way back into theaters? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Don't be shy, let's spark a discussion!
