The opening night of *Smile 2*, a highly anticipated sequel to the successful 2022 horror film, has everyone buzzing. Paramount Pictures reported that the film earned $2.5 million in preview screenings that began on Thursday evening, a noteworthy $500,000 increase compared to its predecessor’s preview figures. Given the film’s initial performance, industry insiders are speculating about its potential trajectory over the weekend, hoping for stronger box office figures as it rolls out across various theaters.
The original *Smile* film made a substantial impact, debuting with a $22.6 million opening weekend and gaining momentum to ultimately gross $105.9 million domestically. There is a palpable excitement surrounding *Smile 2*, especially considering the increasingly favorable presales, which initially projected strong figures in the high teens. The success of a horror sequel often hinges on its ability to capture the audience’s attention and expand beyond initial viewership. Given this backdrop, Paramount executives are cautiously optimistic, as the current trends show *Smile 2* distinguishing itself from the original.
In an effort to maximize exposure, *Smile 2* is launching on 3,619 screens, the highest count for any title this weekend. This extensive distribution is critical, as it allows the film to tap into the broad demographics of moviegoers. Notably, *Smile 2* has received an impressive 85% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a positive consensus among reviewers. Coupled with 3.5 stars and a 71% positive rating from post-screening audiences, the film seems poised for a successful reception.
Audience demographics reveal a diverse turnout, with Latino and Hispanic viewers representing 36% of attendees, Caucasians making up 40%, and smaller percentages from Black and Asian American communities, at 11% and 7%, respectively. These diverse attendance figures could be key factors in driving higher box office numbers as the film continues its theatrical run.
While *Smile 2* is generating considerable buzz, it faces significant competition from other releases, including Warner Bros.’ *Joker: Folie à Deux*, which occupies premium IMAX screens. The marketing strategy for *Smile 2*, particularly its focus on PLF (Premium Large Format) screens, likely aims to capture the attention of horror enthusiasts eager for an immersive experience. Additionally, comparing its early box office performance to that of Blumhouse’s *The First Purge*, which garnered $2.5 million in previews in 2018, suggests that *Smile 2* may be on a comparable trajectory—with potential for growth.
In addition to *Smile 2*, the film landscape this weekend includes impressive numbers from other new releases. *Terrifier 3* from Cineverse collected an estimated $1.5 million on Thursday, exhibiting resilience in its first week, while *We Live in Time*, an A24 romance drama featuring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, saw a more modest $500,000 but boasts an exceptional 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This points toward a potential renaissance of the romance genre at the box office this fall, showing that audiences are evidently craving both thrills and heartfelt narratives.
Moreover, a new dramedy titled *Goodrich*, starring Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis, is also making waves. Despite a modest critical reception at 68% freshness, audience ratings have been outstanding. The depiction of relatable parental struggles resonates with a broad audience, suggesting another dimension to the weekend’s opening dynamics.
As *Smile 2* rolls out across theaters, the film’s combination of critical reception, audience enthusiasm, and diverse viewership profiles sets the stage for a potentially strong weekend at the box office. Paramount’s strategic positioning of the film across various platforms and screens shows an understanding of contemporary viewing trends. The film industry’s landscape continues to evolve, developing intricate patterns that can significantly influence box office successes or failures. Ultimately, *Smile 2* will not only be judged by its opening figures but also by its capacity to engage audiences and sustain interest in the weeks to come.