Box Office Buzz: ‘Black Phone 2’ Soars with $10.7 Million Opening Day, While ‘Good Fortune’ Stumbles in Third Place

Blumhouse’s horror sequel “Black Phone 2” is making waves at the box office. It earned $10.7 million on Friday, with preview screenings boosting its total. Experts predict it will finish the weekend with about $24.4 million, which puts it just above the original film’s $23.6 million debut in 2022.

The film stars Ethan Hawke as the chilling Grabber. It’s opening in 3,411 theaters across North America, benefiting from premium formats that charge higher ticket prices. This investment comes with a $30 million production budget, making it one of Blumhouse’s costlier projects. The studio hopes for a solid finish to the year, especially after a series of underwhelming releases in 2025.

“Black Phone 2” has received mixed reviews. While critics are generally favorable, audience feedback is slightly cooler, with a B grade from Cinema Score, down from the original’s B+. The first film was a sleeper hit, multiplying its initial earnings nearly fourfold to cross the $90 million mark domestically. Blumhouse is aiming for a similar outcome as we approach Halloween, with another sequel, “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” on the horizon for December.

On the other hand, Aziz Ansari’s comedy “Good Fortune” is struggling. It opened with just $5.9 million, falling short of expectations. The film features a star-studded cast, including Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, yet still managed only $2.4 million on Friday. The current landscape for R-rated comedies is tough, making it difficult to stand out.

Meanwhile, Disney’s “Tron: Ares” continues to decline, projected to earn $11 million this weekend after a 65% drop from last week. With a hefty $180 million budget, it’s unlikely to recover its costs. Similarly, Warner Bros.’ epic “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is also underperforming. It’s estimated to lose around $100 million theatrically, despite its solid critical reception.

Paramount’s “Roofman” is likely to land in fifth place, while Angel Studios’ WWII thriller “Truth & Treason” is expected to secure sixth with a $2.8 million opening. This film has received a glowing A grade from audiences.

Lastly, Amazon’s “After the Hunt,” despite a high-profile cast, is facing difficulties. It sits at seventh place with a C- grade from Cinema Score, reflecting negative audience reactions after its Venice premiere.

Overall, the box office landscape is increasingly competitive, with studios facing challenges in attracting audiences for new releases. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see how these films perform, especially during the Halloween season.

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