This past weekend at the box office, “Terrifier 3” emerged as the surprise winner, beating out big-budget films and awards contenders. The low-budget slasher film, a sequel to “Terrifier 2,” raked in $18.3 million in ticket sales, showcasing the continued appeal of gory horror movies to audiences.
On the other hand, Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux” sequel, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, experienced a massive 81% drop in its second weekend, bringing in only $7.1 million. This unexpected decline marks a departure from the success of the original “Joker” film, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Despite high production costs, the sequel failed to resonate with viewers, signaling a potential box office disaster.
While “The Wild Robot,” an animated film by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, secured second place with $13.4 million in its third weekend, it was dwarfed by the success of “Terrifier 3.” The film’s positive reception and strong voice cast, including Lupita Nyong’o, contributed to its steady performance at the box office.
In contrast, the highly anticipated Donald Trump film “The Apprentice” opened to lackluster results, earning a mere $1.6 million in ticket sales. Despite generating buzz and controversy, the film struggled to attract audiences, underscoring the challenges of producing politically themed movies in an election year.
Additionally, other films like “Saturday Night” and “Piece by Piece” failed to make a significant impact during their respective releases. While “Piece by Piece” received positive reviews and an “A” CinemaScore from viewers, its box office performance was modest compared to expectations. However, the film’s unique concept and audience appeal suggest potential for sustained success in the coming weeks.
Overall, the weekend box office reflected a mixed bag of results, with low-budget horror film “Terrifier 3” surpassing major studio releases and high-profile projects. As the film industry navigates through challenges and changing audience preferences, the success of unconventional titles like “Terrifier 3” highlights the unpredictable nature of box office success.
