As the holiday season winds down, moviegoers are still flocking to theaters, defying the usual post-Thanksgiving slump. This year, both Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Zootopia 2 have generated significant box office earnings, keeping cinematic excitement alive.
According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter, Blumhouse’s latest horror sequel has raked in an impressive $109 million worldwide, with $63 million from North America alone. This domestic figure marks the highest ever for a weekend following Thanksgiving, adding to Blumhouse’s recent success following Black Phone 2‘s strong opening in October. Moreover, it stands as the second-best opening for a horror film this year, just behind The Conjuring: Last Rites, and claims the title for the second-best December debut since Scream 2.
Despite falling short of the $80 million garnered by the first Freddy’s, the sequel proves the franchise’s resilience. Many original cast members return, and the extensive marketing campaign has aroused tremendous anticipation among fans. Positive audience feedback suggests that Blumhouse is likely eager to move forward with a third film.
On the other hand, Zootopia 2 is on track to reach the coveted $1 billion mark, currently boasting a worldwide total of $915 million in its second weekend. Its performance in China is particularly noteworthy, and its $12.3 million debut in Japan ranks as the second-largest Hollywood opening there, just behind Frozen 2. Once it surpasses the billion-dollar milestone, Zootopia 2 will join the ranks of the year’s mega-hits, alongside Ne Zha 2 ($2.2 billion) and the Lilo & Stitch remake ($1.038 billion).
Could these box office successes signal more lucrative franchises in the future? The enthusiastic responses could mean that studios are more willing than ever to invest in sequels and expand these beloved universes.
What are the biggest box office openings of 2023? As discussed, horror titles like Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and animated features such as Zootopia 2 have clearly made their mark.
What trends are shaping the future of the film industry? The shift towards franchises and sequels is more pronounced than ever, driven by audience loyalty and the desire for familiar stories.
How are post-holiday box office trends changing? This year has shown that with the right marketing and fan engagement, even the post-Thanksgiving period can yield surprise successes at the box office.
Any lingering questions about upcoming movies? Keeping an eye on audience reactions and box office numbers is key; after all, trends today can inform what’s popular tomorrow.
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