Box Office: ‘Scary Movie 6’ Roars Back with Record-Breaking Debut; ‘Masters of the Universe’ Suffers Massive Defeat
According to the CinemaDrame News Agency, The sixth installment of the cult-classic comedy and parody franchise, Scary Movie, is headed toward an unprecedented box office record following a stellar opening day.
Co-produced by Paramount and Miramax, Scary Movie 6 marks the first time the Wayans brothers (Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Damon Wayans Jr.) have spearheaded an entry in the franchise since Scary Movie 2 in 2001. The horror-comedy grossed $24.7 million in North America on its opening Friday across 3,490 theaters. It is projected to wrap up the weekend with a massive $56 million, which will comfortably shatter the franchise’s previous opening weekend record held by Scary Movie 4, which debuted to $49.7 million in 2006. The film was produced on a modest budget of just $30 million.
Alongside the Wayans brothers, the ensemble cast features Kenan Thompson, Dave Sheridan, Lochlyn Munro, Carmen Electra, Kim Wayans, Cheri Oteri, Chris Elliott, and Heidi Gardner, with Anna Faris and Regina Hall reprising their iconic roles as Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks. Directed by Michael Tiddes, the film parodies notable horror blockbusters, including Scream, Get Out, Longlegs, Sinners, M3GAN, and The Weapons.
‘Masters of the Universe’ Falters on Debut
The weekend’s other major newcomer, Amazon MGM’s sci-fi adventure Masters of the Universe, secured the number two spot on Friday, pulling in $11.7 million from 3,677 theaters. The film is tracking toward a $30 million opening weekend. Given its massive $200 million production budget, this start is considered a severe and disappointing blow for the studio.
Directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee), the film is based on the popular 1980s action figures and their animated counterparts. The story follows Prince Adam as he returns from Earth to his home planet of Eternia to battle the treacherous and villainous Skeletor. Nicholas Galitzine stars as the blonde-haired warrior, supported by Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, and Jared Leto as Skeletor.
Horror Mainstays Hold Strong: ‘The Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’
In third place, A24’s horror-thriller The Backrooms earned $7.9 million on its second Friday. Directed by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, the film is projected to add another $25 million over the weekend following its stunning, better-than-expected $81.5 million debut. While this represents a steep 69% drop, the film is already one of the most profitable releases of the year against its minimal $10 million budget.
Focus Features’ horror hit Obsession claimed the fourth spot, generating $7.4 million on its fourth Friday. Produced for under $1 million, the film opened to $17 million and has since seen its North American total surge past $116 million. Anticipating a remarkably slim 9% drop from last week, Obsession is expected to haul in $24 million this weekend, pushing its domestic total to a staggering $151 million.
‘The Amazing Digital Circus’ Caps the Top Five
Rounding out the top five is the theatrical event version of the sensationally popular indie animation, The Amazing Digital Circus: Final Curtain. The viral web series released its final two episodes as a feature-length experience across 2,221 theaters, grossing $4.6 million on Friday. The dark, surreal comedy-animation is projected to earn $14.1 million over the weekend. The story follows a group of humans trapped in a cartoonish virtual reality where they have been transformed into eccentric avatars. The project is written, directed, and scored by Cooper Goodwin (professionally known as Gooseworx).
