The horror sequel “Black Phone 2” has emerged as a leader at the North American box office, earning $26.5 million during its opening weekend, according to studio estimates released on Sunday. This impressive debut not only exceeded the $23.6 million launch of the original film but also provided a significant boost for Blumhouse Productions, which has faced a series of underwhelming performances in recent months, notably with “M3GAN 2.0.”
Despite the success of “Black Phone 2,” October movie attendance has been slower than in previous years, with ticket sales down approximately 11% from last year. Still, the overall box office is up about 4% compared to the same period in 2024, showing a general recovery for the film industry. Analysts suggest a major blockbuster hit may be necessary to reignite excitement in cinema, with high-profile releases expected in November and December.
Universal Pictures, which conducted the release of “Black Phone 2” in 3,411 theaters, benefited from positive reviews and strong audience interest. The sequel, which marks the return of director Scott Derrickson and stars Ethan Hawke alongside Mason Thames, drew a diverse audience with 63% of viewers aged between 18 and 34. Notably, Hispanic viewers represented the largest demographic at 39% of ticket buyers.
Internationally, “Black Phone 2” amassed an additional $15.5 million from 71 markets, bringing its global opening weekend total to $42 million against a reported production budget of $30 million. Jim Orr, head of Universal’s domestic distribution, praised the film’s successful opening, attributing its appeal to the haunting storytelling crafted by Derrickson and Blumhouse.
The original “Black Phone” proved to be a surprise hit in 2021, grossing over $161 million worldwide on a budget of $18 million. Despite recent struggles, including disappointments with titles like “Wolf Man” and “The Woman in the Yard,” there is optimism for Blumhouse with future projects on the horizon, including a sequel to “Five Nights at Freddy’s” set to release in December.
As the horror genre regains traction in theaters, it reflects a broader trend where audiences are returning to cinema for unique and thrilling experiences. Cinema owners are optimistic about the potential of horror films to draw crowds, especially in challenging times, indicating a promising future for horror storytelling in the film industry.
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