AceShowbiz - Horror powerhouse Blumhouse has roared back with Scott Derrickson’s sequel, Black Phone 2. The film delivered a much-needed victory for horror maestro Jason Blum, opening to a better-than-expected $26.5 million domestically from 3,411 theaters and an impressive $42 million globally. This significant debut is a welcome relief after recent misses for the banner, notably the costly M3GAN 2.0 underperformance earlier this year.

The Universal and Blumhouse collaboration easily secured the No. 1 spot, propelled by solid critical reviews and robust audience reception. Its 'B' CinemaScore is considered an excellent grade within the horror genre, indicating strong viewer satisfaction. The film also demonstrated broad appeal; Latinos — the most frequent moviegoers — comprised the largest audience segment at approximately 39 percent, highlighting its diverse draw.

With a modest $30 million budget, Black Phone 2 sees the return of Ethan Hawke as the chilling serial killer known as Grabber. Universal had projected an $18 million debut, but pre-release tracking accurately predicted the R-rated sequel would surpass its predecessor. The original Black Phone, released in 2021 during cinemas’ post-COVID recovery, opened with $23.6 million domestically, becoming a sleeper hit with over $161 million worldwide. Black Phone 2's stronger opening suggests sustained franchise interest, defying 'horror fatigue' at the box office.

While Blumhouse celebrated its triumphant return, other new releases faced a tougher fight. Lionsgate’s Aziz Ansari-directed comedy, Good Fortune, also launched nationwide this weekend but struggled to find its footing. Despite a star-packed cast including Seth Rogen, Ansari himself, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves, the $30 million film took in an estimated $6.2 million from 2,990 locations domestically. This performance landed on the low end of expectations despite a respectable 'B+' CinemaScore.

Good Fortune tells the story of a scruffy guardian angel assigned to save someone’s soul. The contrasting fortunes of Black Phone 2 and Good Fortune underscore the unpredictable cinematic landscape, where established horror franchises often outshine new comedic ventures, even with significant star power.