'Weapons' Takes the Lead

Zach Cregger's horror-thriller Weapons has emerged as a surprise hit this summer. Opening to a staggering $42.5 million domestically, the film quickly recouped its $38 million budget and is projected to reach a total of $90 million by Sunday. With a global total of $120.4 million, Weapons has become one of the top-grossing horror films of the year.

The film's success is attributed to its unique storytelling and strong performances, particularly by Amy Madigan, whose character, Aunt Gladys, has sparked discussions about a potential prequel.

'Freakier Friday' Holds Steady

Disney's Freakier Friday sequel opened with $29 million but has shown resilience in its second weekend. Earning $4.5 million on Friday, it is expected to gross $14 million over the weekend. Despite a modest start, the film's performance indicates positive word-of-mouth and sustained audience interest.

'Nobody 2' Underperforms

The action-comedy sequel Nobody 2, starring Bob Odenkirk, debuted with $3.86 million on Friday and is projected to reach $9.4 million for the weekend. While this marks an improvement over the original film's opening during the pandemic, it falls short of expectations. The film's modest budget of $25 million suggests it will still be profitable, but its performance raises questions about the viability of a third installment.

'Fantastic Four' and 'Bad Guys 2' Continue Decline

Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps and DreamWorks' The Bad Guys 2 have both seen significant drops in their third weekends. Fantastic Four earned $2.4 million, while The Bad Guys 2 brought in $1.94 million. These declines reflect the challenges faced by franchise films in maintaining audience interest over multiple weekends.

Looking Ahead

As the summer box office continues, Weapons stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of original horror films. Its success not only highlights the genre's strength but also sets a high bar for upcoming releases. With sequels and new franchises on the horizon, the competition remains fierce, and audiences can look forward to a diverse array of films in the coming weeks.