In the world of cinema, one business is proving to be recession-proof: ghost busting.
The latest installment in the “Ghostbusters” franchise, “Frozen Empire,” has blasted its way to the top of the box office charts, raking in an impressive $45.2 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. This success marks Sony Pictures’ first No. 1 film since last summer, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the ghost-fighting squad.
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Directed by Gil Kenan and featuring a talented cast including Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Paul Rudd, “Frozen Empire” follows in the footsteps of its 2021 predecessor, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” Both films have introduced a new generation of characters while paying homage to the original movies’ legacy. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Frozen Empire” has struck a chord with audiences, earning a B+ CinemaScore, just slightly lower than the A- score for “Afterlife.”
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The film’s international performance has also been promising, adding $16.4 million from 25 overseas markets. With a production budget of approximately $100 million, “Frozen Empire” is poised to continue its strong performance, especially with the upcoming spring break period.
Meanwhile, the horror film “Immaculate,” starring Sydney Sweeney as an American nun, debuted with a more modest $5.4 million on 2,354 screens. Despite Sweeney’s rising star power, the film’s independent production and lack of a clear hook for horror audiences may have contributed to its lower opening weekend performance.
In the realm of sci-fi, “Dune: Part Two” continues to captivate audiences, adding $17.6 million in its fourth weekend of release. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothée Chalamet, the film has now grossed an impressive $233.4 million domestically and $574.4 million worldwide.
As the box office landscape remains diverse, featuring a mix of sequels, horror films, and animated features, it’s clear that there’s still a strong appetite for a wide range of cinematic experiences. While “Ghostbusters” continues to reign supreme, captivating audiences with its blend of supernatural adventure and family-friendly themes, other genres are also making their mark, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of the film industry.
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