In a promising turn of events for Blumhouse, *Black Phone 2* commenced its box office journey with an impressive $2.6 million during its Thursday previews. This sequel, directed by Scott Derrickson, aims to rejuvenate Blumhouse’s recent performance at the box office, following a concerning spell of underperforming titles, including the notably lackluster *M3GAN 2.0*.
The film is on track for a domestic debut projected between $18 million and upwards of $20 million. For context, the original *Black Phone* released during the pandemic recovery in 2021, collected $3 million in previews before culminating in a $23.6 million opening weekend.
The horror-thriller franchise comes back with the same gripping charm that resonated with audiences previously, having generated over $161 million globally from the first installment. Critics have lauded *Black Phone 2*, attributing its success not just to nostalgia but to a more refined approach to storytelling. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter emphasized that this sequel is “no mere cash grab, but rather an even more stylistically and thematically ambitious effort.”
With a modest production budget of $30 million, this release is poised to dominate the box office and is expected to dethrone the struggling *Tron: Ares* this weekend.
Simultaneously, Lionsgate’s *Good Fortune*, directed by Aziz Ansari and featuring a notable cast that includes Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, and Keanu Reeves, launched with $725,000 in previews. Although well-received by critics, projections indicate that its opening weekend may only reach a mid-seven-figure range.
In this comedic venture, Reeves plays a scruffy guardian angel tasked with saving a soul, a role that has piqued interest in spite of its lower box office expectations.
In summary, with *Black Phone 2* and *Good Fortune* now in theaters, this weekend appears promising for both horror and comedy enthusiasts alike.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at Hollywood Reporter.
