The 2025 horror sequel Black Phone 2 is turning heads with its strong box office debut, outgrossing competing releases during its opening weekend.
Projected to earn $26.5 million domestically over three days, this Blumhouse Productions film has surpassed the original’s $23.6 million opening and become the studio’s highest-grossing release of the year.
Collecting an additional $15.5 million internationally, it has already amassed over $42 million worldwide within its first weekend.
This success marks a welcome rebound for Blumhouse, which had several less profitable releases throughout 2025, including Wolf Man and M3GAN 2.0.
Black Phone 2’s gripping narrative continues the story from the 2022 hit, bringing back Ethan Hawke as the chilling “Grabber” along with returning stars Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw.
The original movie was a breakout horror success, grossing more than $161 million worldwide on a modest $16 million budget, and the sequel is on track to exceed that legacy.
Despite nearly doubling the budget to an estimated $30 million, Black Phone 2 shows strong potential to more than quintuple its costs by the end of its theatrical run. If the momentum holds, it could firmly establish a major Blumhouse franchise, possibly paving the way for future sequels.
The combination of returning key cast members, a compelling storyline, and the strategic timing during the Halloween season appears to have struck a chord with horror fans and casual moviegoers alike.
Good Fortune’s Modest Start Despite High Expectations
In contrast, Good Fortune, the feature directorial debut of Aziz Ansari and a Lionsgate comedy starring Keanu Reeves alongside Ansari and Seth Rogen, opened to a more muted response with an estimated $6.2 million domestic box office.
Though debuting at number three on the weekend chart, its earnings fell significantly behind Black Phone 2.
Good Fortune follows the story of Gabriel (Reeves), a well-meaning but clumsy guardian angel who switches the lives of a poor assistant and his wealthy boss, played by Ansari and Rogen. The film was made with a $30 million budget, mirroring the sequel’s production costs, but has yet to show similar box office promise.
Critically, Good Fortune has been well received, earning a Certified Fresh score of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid CinemaScore of B+. These scores indicate good word-of-mouth potential, suggesting the movie may find an audience as more viewers discover it through recommendations.
Still, unlike Black Phone 2, its commercial success may rely heavily on digital streaming and video-on-demand platforms if in-theater attendance fails to pick up significantly.
October’s Domestic Box Office Highlights
The weekend’s top box office rankings clearly illustrate the horror sequel’s dominance. Black Phone 2 sits at the number one spot with $26.5 million, followed by Disney’s sci-fi sequel Tron: Ares with $11.14 million, a steep 66% drop from the prior weekend’s debut, marking the worst sophomore slump among the three Tron films.
Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune holds third place with $6.2 million, while One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, comes in fourth with $4 million. Rounding out the top five is Roofman, the Channing Tatum-led drama, with $3.7 million.
Last weekend’s chart-toppers, Roofman and One Battle After Another, both fell significantly this week, dropping three and one spots respectively, with declines of over 50% in ticket sales.
The Black Phone 2 (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Family-friendly Gabby’s Dollhouse and faith-based Soul on Fire slid even further, landing at ninth and tenth places. Meanwhile, fresh entries like Truth & Treason and After the Hunt are gradually gaining traction.
October, despite a busy schedule, has yet to crown a clear runaway hit beyond the Black Phone sequel.
However, with promising upcoming releases like the Colleen Hoover romantic drama Regretting You and the Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere, there remains potential for new challengers to emerge before the month closes.
What This Means for Blumhouse and Horror Fans
Black Phone 2’s breakout weekend signals a strong comeback moment for Blumhouse Productions after a challenging slate of 2025 releases. Known for payday hits like The Purge and Insidious, the studio has faced headwinds this year with multiple projects failing to reach profitability or connect widely with audiences.
The latest sequel’s immediate success, both domestically and globally, offers hope that the studio can reclaim its status as a leader in the horror genre.
The film’s ability to build on the momentum and reputation of the original Black Phone, which blended supernatural elements with genuine emotional weight, reflects careful production choices paying off.
Featuring Ethan Hawke’s return and the fresh faces of Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw, the sequel offers continuity while expanding the franchise’s mythology.
With the Halloween season fueling audience interest in horror, Black Phone 2 benefited from well-timed marketing and strong critical notice, which together translated to impressive box office numbers.
If this trajectory continues, the sequel could eventually outgross the original, firmly establishing itself as Blumhouse’s breakout success of the year.
The Road Ahead for Good Fortune
While Good Fortune’s box office debut has been underwhelming compared to Black Phone 2, its positive reviews and solid audience scores leave room for optimism.
Comedy films with critical support often gain momentum over time as viewers discover them through recommendations, especially with digital and streaming release strategies becoming more influential.
Aziz Ansari’s transition from comedy performer to director may also attract interest as his career develops, potentially expanding the film’s audience beyond the initial theatrical performance.
With popular stars like Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen on board, the film has star power and comedic chemistry, which can build a dedicated following in secondary markets.
Regardless of box office struggles, Good Fortune could still become a sleeper hit through varied distribution channels, garnering long-term financial success.
However, with its initial numbers trailing far behind a genre powerhouse like Black Phone 2, the comedy faces an uphill climb to match the threat from Blumhouse’s intimidating horror presence.
Box Office Summary Table
| Rank | Title | 3-Day Total (Domestic) | Cumulative Domestic Total (Week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Phone 2 | $26.5 million | $26.5 million (Week 1) |
| 2 | Tron: Ares | $11.14 million | $54.4 million (Week 2) |
| 3 | Good Fortune | $6.2 million | $6.2 million (Week 1) |
| 4 | One Battle After Another | $4 million | $61 million (Week 4) |
| 5 | Roofman | $3.7 million | $15.5 million (Week 2) |
This weekend’s box office clearly illustrates Black Phone 2’s strong genre appeal and financial promise, outpacing Good Fortune and reinvigorating Blumhouse’s forecast for 2025. October may yet see more contenders, but the current champion’s reign seems secure.
Dwayne Johnson, now a familiar face in Hollywood blockbusters, often looks back at his beginnings with genuine gratitude for those who helped him along the way. His breakthrough came with “The Mummy Returns” (2001), the sequel to the popular 1999 adventure film “The Mummy.”
Directed by Stephen Sommers, the film starred Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell, a role that had already made Fraser a household name. For Johnson, being cast as the Scorpion King in this franchise marked a pivotal entry point for his transition from wrestling to acting.
Reflecting on his experience during a New Heights podcast interview, Johnson made it clear that Fraser’s kindness and support were instrumental in helping him find his footing in the film industry.
He explicitly recalled Fraser as one of the biggest stars in the world at the time and said, “He could have easily said, ‘I don’t know if I want this wrestler.’ Instead, he embraced me. I love that man for that, and he helped kick off my career.”
Johnson was cast in only a small part, appearing for just a few minutes at the beginning and the end of “The Mummy Returns,” but those moments proved life-changing.
For Johnson, the excitement of working alongside Fraser was palpable, even if his first onscreen appearance lasted a total of five minutes in the movie. That opportunity eventually led to his own spinoff a year later, “The Scorpion King” (2002), launching him as a recurring star in action and adventure films.
The Mummy Returns: A Franchise Catalyst
When “The Mummy Returns” premiered in May 2001, it marked an important moment for both Johnson and Fraser. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $433 million worldwide on a $98 million budget, making it the highest-grossing installment of the series and one of the biggest box office hits that year.
Although critics offered mixed reviews, audiences adored Fraser’s charismatic turn as Rick O’Connell and Johnson’s menacing debut as the Scorpion King.
Fraser’s attitude helped create an environment that allowed Johnson to learn, grow, and eventually shine with qualities that Hollywood rarely makes available for first-time actors.
Beyond the film’s commercial triumph, Fraser’s gesture drew notice among cast and crew. Johnson’s later success as an international box office star can be traced back to Fraser’s open-armed acceptance during “The Mummy Returns.”
The positive working atmosphere led both men to develop mutual respect and admiration, a bond that persists more than two decades later.
An Enduring Bond and Evolving Careers
Dwayne Johnson’s reflection on Fraser’s generosity comes at a time when both actors continue to make headlines in their respective careers.
While Johnson went on to solidify his status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, appearing in blockbusters from “Fast & Furious” to “Jumanji,” Fraser’s journey took a more dramatic turn.
Dwayne Johnson (Credit: CNN)
After a period away from the spotlight, Fraser returned to awards acclaim with critically lauded performances like his Oscar-winning role in “The Whale” (2022) and the moving new release “Rental Family” (2025).
Johnson’s latest role in “The Smashing Machine” (2025), a biographical drama directed by Benny Safdie, is being touted as a dramatic turning point in his career, with some suggesting it could earn Johnson his own shot at Oscar recognition.
Brendan Fraser has publicly expressed excitement about watching Johnson stretch himself artistically. In an interview with People, Fraser said, “Dwayne, he’s a really great guy… I predict you’ll be seeing a lot more of him on these red carpets in the days to come.”
Their careers, distinct yet frequently overlapping in spirit, stand as testaments to mutual kindness and support. Fraser’s open-hearted approach when Johnson joined “The Mummy Returns” created a ripple effect, helping not only Johnson but also showing the importance of mentorship in an industry known for competition.
Their friendship remains a bright spot in the larger Hollywood narrative.
The Legacy of The Mummy Returns and Its Stars
“The Mummy Returns” may not have replicated the critical acclaim of its predecessor, but its impact on the franchise and its actors cannot be overstated.
The movie’s success gave Johnson his first major film role and opened doors for his future, including the ill-fated but influential spinoff “The Scorpion King.” Despite mixed reviews, the franchise remains a beloved part of action cinema, built on the enduring appeal of its stars.
Fraser’s willingness to welcome Johnson into the fold was a reminder that true stars help to raise others, both on and off screen. Even as both actors have taken their careers in different directions, their shared chapter in “The Mummy Returns” endures as an example of generosity, humility, and the power of a single opportunity.
Their ability to champion one another in interviews and public statements keeps the spirit of their collaboration alive for fans and industry observers alike.
Looking ahead, with Johnson’s transition toward dramatic roles and Fraser’s resurgence in challenging, artistic cinema, fans can hope these two may collaborate once more.
For now, their legacy as Hollywood friends and mutual supporters continues, reminding audiences of the positive impact one person can have on another’s journey.
