The latest installment in the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” franchise, titled “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” has made a significant impact at the box office, launched in 3,412 theaters across the United States and Canada. Over the weekend, the sequel surpassed expectations by achieving an impressive $63 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates released on Sunday.
Despite receiving generally negative reviews from critics, the sequel has demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing the highest opening weekend ever for a time typically characterized by low attendance following Thanksgiving. Notably, it now holds the record for the largest opening of the year for a PG-13 rated film and ranks as the second-highest opening for a horror movie, following “The Conjuring: Last Rites.” Based on the chilling premise of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where robotic characters transform into deadly beings at night, the franchise continues to engage audiences both through its films and its gaming roots.
Jim Orr, who heads domestic distribution for Universal, highlighted the film’s contribution to the industry, saying, “There’s been a lot of doom and gloom about the industry overall, but this movie helped drive the industry to the biggest first weekend post-Thanksgiving ever.” This indicates a potential turning point for the film industry, suggesting that established franchises can still attract large audiences and inspire optimism for future projects.
The success of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” not only demonstrates the enduring appeal of beloved franchises but also hints at a revitalization of interest in theater attendance, providing hope for the industry’s recovery.