In a stunning display of horror’s enduring allure, “The Nun II” shattered expectations at the North American box office, raking in an estimated $32.6 million in its debut weekend. Warner Bros., the studio behind the sequel to the 2018 hit, released the film in 3,728 theaters, once again proving that bad reviews can’t deter ardent moviegoers from indulging in spine-tingling suspense and terror. Critics, including AP’s Mark Kennedy, may have given it a lukewarm reception with a one-star review and a C+ CinemaScore from audiences, but the horror genre remains remarkably critic-proof when it comes to opening weekend success.
The Unstoppable Rise of “The Nun II”
Despite its lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike, “The Nun II” demonstrated its box office prowess by topping the charts in its opening weekend. Directed by Michael Graves and featuring a stellar cast including Taissa Farmiga and Storm Reid, the film fell short of its predecessor’s debut ($53.8 million) but still delivered a solid launch. This success adds another feather to the cap of “The Nun” movies, which are part of the expansive Conjuring universe, boasting nine films and a staggering $2.1 billion in box office earnings. The sequel also enjoyed international acclaim, grossing $52.7 million from 69 markets, with Mexico emerging as the standout market with $8.9 million in earnings. This global debut catapulted the film’s total earnings to a formidable $85.3 million.
The Enduring Appeal of Horror
Horror, as a genre, has proven time and again that it is virtually impervious to critical panning. While “The Nun II” may not have garnered critical acclaim, it continues to captivate audiences hungry for a thrilling cinematic experience. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, notes the incredible revenue-generating potential of a horror universe. With the genre’s enduring popularity, Warner Bros.’ bet on the horror moviegoing experience never waning has paid off handsomely.
A Haunting Fall Lineup
As the leaves change and the nights grow longer, the fall season brings with it a slew of spine-tingling films to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. “The Nun II” is just the beginning of a series of chilling cinematic experiences set to unnerve viewers. Upcoming releases include “A Death in Venice” opening next week, “Saw X” on September 29, and “The Exorcist: Believer” on October 6, promising a season of cinematic thrills that will leave audiences craving more.
“Equalizer 3” Takes Second Place
In its second weekend, Denzel Washington’s “Equalizer 3” was pushed to second place at the box office. The Columbia Pictures release added $12.1 million to its domestic gross, bringing it to an impressive $61.9 million, with worldwide earnings soaring to $107.7 million. Despite being dethroned by “The Nun II,” Washington’s charismatic performance and the film’s gripping storyline continue to draw audiences to theaters.
A Greek Wedding 21 Years in the Making
In a surprising third-place finish, the third installment of Nia Vardalos’s “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” arrived two decades after the first film became an unexpected sleeper hit, grossing an astounding $369 million against a humble $5 million production budget. Released by Focus Features in 3,650 theaters, the third film earned an estimated $10 million, with a substantial 71% of its audience being female and 83% of viewers aged 25 or older. Vardalos, who wrote, directed, and stars in “Greek Wedding 3,” reunites with John Corbett and takes the beloved characters to Greece in this long-awaited sequel. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s enduring charm resonates with fans of the original.
Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan” Makes Its Mark
The Indian revenge thriller “Jawan,” starring the iconic Shah Rukh Khan, opened in fourth place with an impressive $6.2 million from a limited release of 813 locations. Released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, Khan’s star power once again proved to be a box office magnet, following the success of “Pathaan,” which earned a staggering $130 million worldwide earlier in the year.
“Barbie” Continues Its Reign
After eight triumphant weeks, “Barbie” gracefully descended to the fifth spot at the box office, earning $5.9 million from 3,281 locations. The Warner Bros. film has now amassed a remarkable $620.5 million domestically, solidifying its status as an enduring hit.
Other Notable Releases
Beyond the top five contenders, several other films made their mark at the box office. “Blue Beetle” secured the sixth spot with $3.8 million, followed by “Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story” at seventh place with $3.4 million. Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated “Oppenheimer” earned $3 million, while “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” rounded out the list with $2.6 million in the ninth spot.
“The Nun II” has proven once again that horror’s allure is irresistible, even in the face of critical skepticism. With a promising lineup of spine-tingling releases for the fall season, moviegoers can look forward to a season filled with suspense and terror. As the box office continues to thrive, it’s evident that the cinematic appeal of horror remains as strong as ever, and audiences are eager to embrace the chills and thrills that the genre has to offer. So, buckle up for a season of cinematic goosebumps, as horror takes its rightful place at the forefront of the film industry.