Cineverse’s unrated slasher sequel, Terrifier 3, earned approximately $2.6 million during its Thursday previews, which began at 8 p.m. There is speculation that this low-budget film, produced for under $5 million including acquisition and marketing costs, could surpass Warner Bros’ Joker: Folie à Deux in its second weekend with a projected take of over $11 million.
The outcome largely depends on whether Cineverse’s cost-effective marketing strategy resonates with audiences beyond its core demographic, which includes its streaming subscribers and followers on Bloody Disgusting. The film, created by writer-director Damien Leone, boasts a 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 78% rating from critics. However, Comscore/Screen Engine’s PostTrak did not track audience reactions to the film.
Cineverse Chairman and CEO Chris McGurk expressed excitement over the film’s initial box office performance. “The early box office numbers placing Terrifier 3 at No. 1 after preliminary previews exceed our expectations. We are delighted to witness the strong support from the Terrifier fanbase for this latest installment,” McGurk stated. “This success demonstrates that a quality indie film can thrive in theaters despite being unrated and competing against major studio releases and popular festival films. It reflects the vision of producer Phil Falcone and Damien’s connection with die-hard horror fans.”
The preview earnings of Terrifier 3 are reminiscent of the 2018 Blumhouse/Universal film The First Purge, which secured $17.3 million over its first three days and $31.2 million in five days, although that film benefitted from a substantial studio budget. Terrifier 3’s preview earnings also slightly exceed Warner Bros.’ Evil Dead Rise, which made $2.5 million in previews last year, ultimately grossing an impressive $24.5 million over its opening weekend.
In its first week, Joker: Folie à Deux accumulated $44.55 million after a $1.1 million Thursday preview, reflecting a 12% decrease from Wednesday. This first-week gross is 19% lower than the opening week of Marvel Studios’ 2023 film The Marvels, which made $54.8 million, while it is 15% higher than Warner Bros’ Furiosa, which debuted at $38.9 million. The Marvels saw a significant 72% drop in its second weekend, the worst for an MCU film, while Furiosa fell by 60% in its second outing. The Marvels concluded its domestic run at $84.5 million, whereas Furiosa ended with $67.4 million.
In other Thursday previews, Focus Features’ documentary Piece by Piece, directed by Morgan Neville and centered on a Lego version of Pharrell Williams, earned $450,000 from 1,500 theaters. It is projected to make between $3 million and $9 million this weekend, with an audience recommendation of 60% and 4½ stars on PostTrak. Critics rated it 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Sony’s forthcoming SNL origins film, Saturday Night, garnered $370,000 from previews that commenced at 2 p.m. Thursday and is expected to earn between $3 million and $5 million over its opening weekend. Audience scores are positive, marked at 4½ stars and an 84% recommendation on PostTrak, while critics gave it an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film has already earned over $731,000 during its two-week platform release. Last year, Sony’s Dumb Money, which aimed for awards-season recognition, earned $3.3 million from its wide release in 2,837 theaters.
Briarcliff Entertainment’s The Apprentice, focusing on Donald Trump’s early career and his relationship with Roy Cohn, had a modest preview performance, bringing in $150,000 after starting at 4 p.m. Thursday. While critics rated the film, featuring Jeremy Strong, Sebastian Stan, and Maria Bakalova, at 79% fresh, audience reactions were lukewarm with 2½ stars and a 45% definite recommend on PostTrak. In a challenging environment, Briarcliff pushed for a theatrical release despite legal challenges posed by Trump’s campaign related to the film.