AceShowbiz - Black Phone 2, the highly anticipated horror sequel from Blumhouse and Universal, has made a chilling debut at the global box office, ringing up an impressive $42 million worldwide. This includes a robust $15.5 million from international markets, a figure that notably surpasses the performance of its predecessor, The Black Phone, and other genre entries like Sinners in the same territories. The film's strong start signals a promising run for the latest offering from director Scott Derrickson and star Ethan Hawke.

The supernatural thriller launched in 71 offshore markets, demonstrating significant pull with audiences. Mexico led the charge, delivering a stellar $4.3 million and claiming the No. 1 spot for the weekend with an impressive 58% market share. This opening in Mexico not only outstripped the first film but also outperformed Weapons and more than tripled the debuts of Smile 2 and Sinners. In the UK & Ireland, Black Phone 2 secured $1.48 million, placing it at No. 2 behind another Universal release, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie. The UK bow for Black Phone 2 also showed strength, coming in 19% above the original movie.

While Black Phone 2 dominated the horror headlines, other films also made their mark. Disney's science fiction sequel Tron: Ares reportedly squeaked past the $100 million global milestone. Meanwhile, Warner Bros.'s war epic One Battle After Another continued its strong international performance, topping the century mark overseas to reach a global total of $163 million.

The successful global launch of Black Phone 2 underscores the enduring appeal of the horror genre and the strategic prowess of Blumhouse in delivering compelling, profitable cinematic experiences. Its ability to outperform its acclaimed predecessor suggests a growing franchise and a keen understanding of what frightens and fascinates global audiences, setting a high bar for future horror releases.