Box Office: 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' Earns $7.2 Million from Previews

The spooky animatronics are back as Five Nights at Freddys 2 hits theaters. Universal and Blumhouses PG-13 horror follow-up collected $7.2 million during Thursday preview showings, with forecasts suggesting an opening weekend total between $35 million and $40 million.

For context, the first Five Nights at Freddys film, adapted from the hit horror video game, earned $10.3 million in previews and went on to achieve an impressive $80 million debut, even while streaming simultaneously on Peacock. That movie became Blumhouses highest-grossing release ever, raking in nearly $300 million worldwide.

Five Nights at Freddys 2 carries a $36 million budget, larger than its predecessors $20 million, giving it a solid chance to maintain a holiday theater presence and generate profits. Returning cast members include Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Elizabeth Lail, and Piper Rubio, all facing more nightmarish encounters with the murderous animatronic mascots at Freddy Fazbears Pizza. Director Emma Tammi and video game creator Scott Cawthon are back at the helm, joined by new faces McKenna Grace, Teo Briones, and Freddy Carter.

Despite the anticipation, last weeks Thanksgiving box office champ Zootopia 2 is predicted to remain on top, expected to earn $44 million to $50 million, down 50-55% from its $98 million debut. Universals Wicked: For Good is projected to take third place with $21 million to $25 million in its third weekend.

Other new releases include Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, forecasted to earn $8 million to $10 million; Quentin Tarantinos extended Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, expected between $5 million and $10 million; and theatrical adaptations like Broadways Merrily We Roll Along and the British comedy Fackham Hall, each anticipated to make roughly $3 million.

Author: Connor Blake