Despite receiving a lukewarm critical reception, “The Nun II” managed to top the North American box office on its opening weekend, raking in an estimated $32.6 million. The film, directed by Michael Graves and featuring Taissa Farmiga and Storm Reid, is the sequel to the 2018 blockbuster. Though it couldn’t match the $53.8 million opening of its predecessor, its earnings are seen as a strong start for the franchise’s latest installment.
Audiences vs. Critics
The film’s success in its opening weekend underscores the often-mentioned notion that the horror genre remains “critic-proof,” at least in terms of opening weekend numbers. AP’s Mark Kennedy awarded it a one-star review, describing it as a film that could “pound a nail into this franchise’s undead coffin.” Audiences, however, were more forgiving, giving it a C+ CinemaScore.
Global Performance
Internationally, “The Nun II” performed well, adding $52.7 million from 69 markets to its global debut, bringing the total to $85.3 million. Mexico emerged as the strongest market with $8.9 million. These figures add to the growing revenue of the so-called Conjuring universe, which now boasts nine films and has grossed $2.1 billion in total.
Competition and Market Trends
“The Nun II” toppled Denzel Washington’s “Equalizer 3” from its first-place position, relegating it to second place in its second weekend. Other new releases included the third installment of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” which earned $10 million and the Indian thriller “Jawan,” earning $6.2 million from 813 locations. The Warner Bros. comedy “Barbie” completed the top five, grossing $5.9 million, thus extending its domestic total to $620.5 million.
What Lies Ahead for the Horror Genre?
The success of “The Nun II” bodes well for other horror films lined up for the fall, including “A Death in Venice,” “Saw X,” and “The Exorcist: Believer.” Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore, remarked on the enduring allure of the horror genre, praising Warner Bros.’ bet on its “revenue generating potential.”