The horror sequel The Black Phone 2 opened to an estimated $27 million in domestic box office sales, performing slightly above expectations and topping the debut of the original 2022 film. Produced by Blumhouse Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures, the sequel launched in more than 3,400 North American theaters and gave a much-needed boost to an otherwise sluggish October release slate.
Globally, The Black Phone 2 earned roughly 42 million dollars in its first weekend, surpassing its reported 30 million dollar production budget. With marketing and distribution costs still to be accounted for, the film’s early success indicates strong audience interest and positive momentum heading into its second week.
The sequel reunites director Scott Derrickson and star Ethan Hawke, both returning from the first film. Hawke reprises his chilling role as the Grabber, a masked villain who quickly became one of the genre’s most memorable modern antagonists. Audiences have praised the film’s performances, atmosphere, and expansion of the story’s supernatural elements, helping it stand out during an otherwise quiet theatrical season.
Compared to the original film, which opened to around 23 million dollars, the sequel’s debut marks an improvement that reflects both stronger anticipation and effective marketing. Horror continues to perform well at the box office, benefiting from moderate budgets and dedicated fanbases that often drive repeat viewings. The timing also worked in the film’s favor, as October’s lighter competition gave it room to dominate its opening weekend.
The key test will come in the film’s second weekend. Horror releases often experience sharp drop-offs after strong openings, so word-of-mouth and audience satisfaction will determine how long The Black Phone 2 can sustain its pace. If the hold remains strong, the movie could easily double its production budget within its first few weeks in theaters.
For Blumhouse Productions, this release is an important win. After several quieter box office results earlier in the year, The Black Phone 2 reinforces the studio’s reputation for creating profitable, mid-budget horror films. For the industry, it signals that well-crafted genre movies still have power to draw audiences to theaters, even as streaming continues to reshape viewing habits.
The Black Phone 2’s opening weekend shows that audiences remain eager for original scares and familiar faces. As the fall box office season continues, it stands out as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise slow market, reminding Hollywood that horror, when executed with precision, continues to deliver results.
