Weapons crosses 100 million domestic

Zach Cregger’s Weapons becomes the second original R-rated film this year to reach 100 million domestically, signaling strong appetite for new horror.

Weapons Surges Past 100 Million Domestic in Horror Hit

Zach Cregger's Weapons crossed the 100 million mark in North America on its 14th day of release, becoming the second original R-rated pic this year to hit that milestone after Sinners. The film opened to 43.5 million over the August weekend and has already earned roughly 170 million worldwide. Warner Bros and New Line led the bid, with a package that totaled around 38 million plus a 10 million payout to Cregger for directing and steering the project after his prior breakout with Barbarian. The movie has earned strong word of mouth, reflected in a 96 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A minus from audiences, with Imax and other premium formats contributing about a third of the opening weekend gross.

Industry chatter now circles a possible prequel that would explore Aunt Gladys backstory, a move that could expand the franchise if the right balance between mystery and backstory is found. No deals have been announced, but Warner Bros and New Line are reportedly considering options. Cregger remains busy with other projects, including prep for Resident Evil, underscoring how a director can juggle multiple high profile commitments while a hit like Weapons influences future financing and project selection across the studio. The film's performance and its careful marketing—avoiding spoilers while still delivering a twist—helped sustain momentum beyond the initial weekend.

The strong domestic numbers signal a shift in how studios view original horror as a viable long term bet rather than a one off. Weapons shows that a director driven, high concept horror title can attract big audiences and critical praise at a time when many theaters rely on franchise installments. That said, the risk remains real: a handful of big wins do not guarantee a steady stream of returns, especially if budgets rise or if the next wave of original bets fails to land. Warner Bros and New Line are testing a model that blends smart marketing with premium formats to maximize lifetime value while keeping the twist protected for as long as possible.

Looking ahead, the Aunt Gladys prequel talks reflect how studios may treat successful horror as a springboard for broader franchises without overexposing the core twist. If the expansion proves profitable, it could redefine how studios manage risk and invest in fresh voices. The collaboration through premium screens and global markets shows a serious appetite to monetize originality in a market long dominated by sequels and adaptations.

Highlights

The box office trend suggests audiences are hungry for new voices even in a crowded market