Box Office: ‘Black Phone 2’ Targets Debut Above $20 Million as Sluggish October Continues

Rebecca Rubin, Rebecca Rubin

October 15, 2025 at 07:55 PM

Surprise (30%)

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Box Office: ‘Black Phone 2’ Targets Debut Above $20 Million as Sluggish October Continues

Key Takeaways

"The Black Phone 2" is projected to open between $23-$29 million, aiming to reverse Blumhouse's recent box office struggles.
Blumhouse has experienced several recent financial underperformances in 2025, including "Wolf Man" and "M3GAN 2.0."
Aziz Ansari's directorial debut, "Good Fortune," is releasing this weekend with a modest projected opening of $6-$8 million.
The overall box office for October is described as sluggish, with industry expectations for significant upticks delayed until the holiday season.
"The Black Phone 2" is expected to easily lead the domestic box office over competitors like "Tron: Ares" and "Good Fortune."

The upcoming box office weekend hinges on the performance of "The Black Phone 2," which is projected to debut between $23 and $29 million, potentially marking a significant win for Blumhouse after several recent financial disappointments. Studio sources are conservatively estimating an $18 million opening, similar to the first film's 2021 debut, and Blumhouse hopes this sequel, alongside "Five Nights at Freddy’s 2," will restore its box office luster. Competing for attention is Aziz Ansari's supernatural comedy "Good Fortune," which cost $30 million and is aiming for $6 to $8 million, featuring a cast including Keanu Reeves, who was praised by critics. Overall, the weekend is expected to continue a sluggish October for the box office, with major attendance boosts anticipated later in the fall and holiday seasons with titles like "Wicked: For Good" and "Zootopia 2."

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