The anticipation surrounding Paramount’s latest horror sequel, Smile 2, is palpable as it opened to an impressive $2.5 million from preview screenings that began on Thursday at 5 p.m. across 3,000 venues. The film’s initial financial performance marks an encouraging prelude, exceeding the corresponding preview earnings of its predecessor, which amassed $2 million back in 2022. This promising start sets the stage for a potential surge in Box Office earnings, echoing the first film’s trajectory, which concluded its run with an impressive total of $105.9 million.
Given the strong early sales figures, industry analysts have speculated that Smile 2 may arrive at a higher opening weekend than previously predicted. Estimates initially suggested the film would score in the high teens for its opening weekend, but with these previews, there’s a chance analysts might need to revise their projections upwards. Paramount is ramping up competition in the Box Office arena, positing Smile 2 as a frontrunner, particularly as it dominates premium large format (PLF) screens while its major rival, Warner Bros’ Joker: Folie À Deux, occupies the IMAX theaters.
Critically, Smile 2 has received a warm reception, with a commendable 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, thereby earning its “certified fresh” label. This critical acclaim could further bolster its audience turnout, particularly as the film has shown favorable exit polling from filmgoers, garnering an average rating of 3.5 stars alongside a respectable 71% positive feedback. Moreover, the demographical breakdown of ticket buyers indicates a diverse audience, with Latino and Hispanic viewers contributing 36% to the turnout, contrasted against 40% Caucasian, 11% Black, and 7% Asian American audiences.
As the narrative evolves, returning director Parker Finn, who also helmed the original film, continues to attract fans with his unique storytelling approach. With a production budget of $28 million, the expectations are significant—not just for financial returns but also for critical appreciation of the sequel’s artistic direction and narrative depth.
In an competitive box office environment, Smile 2 is not the only movie vying for audience attention. Other recent releases have also made headlines, indicating varied success in the industry. Notably, the indie horror film Terrifier 3 from Cineverse surprised many by earning $1.5 million during its Thursday previews, illustrating the appetite for creative content in the horror genre. Its cumulative earnings of $26.9 million further establish a niche segment of avid horror enthusiasts that studios are keen to tap into.
Moreover, A24’s romance drama We Live in Time, headlined by actors Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, had its own share of noteworthy previews with $500,000. As this film gradually expands its reach, the indicated 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes hints at a possible resurgence of romance films at the box office—a genre that has seen waning numbers in recent years.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects
The competition extends even further with the unveiling of Ketchup Entertainment’s dramedy Goodrich starring Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis. Initial audience feedback has been stellar, boasting a perfect 5-star score along with an impressive 93% positive rating. However, critical reception remains mixed, with only 68% being deemed “fresh.” The plot centers around the complexities of modern parenthood as Keaton’s character copes with unexpected responsibilities, making it a timely offering in today’s cinematic climate.
As we delve into this multifaceted box office landscape, it’s clear that the emergence of several promising titles showcases not only the diversity in thematic storytelling but also the dynamic nature of audience interests. As Smile 2 leads the charge into the weekend box office, it encourages a hopeful look forward into evolving cinematic opportunities while vying for supremacy against a backdrop of strong competition. The audience’s choice will ultimately determine which films thrive and which merely survive in this vibrant marketplace.