T4K3.news
Weapons crosses $100M
A non-franchise horror film from Zach Cregger hits $100 million worldwide in its first week, signaling strong demand for original storytelling.

A non-franchise horror release from Zach Cregger crosses $100 million in global box office, signaling strong demand for original storytelling.
Weapons Surges Past 100 Million as Original Horror Captures Box Office
Weapons, a non-franchise horror from Zach Cregger, has crossed $100 million worldwide in its first week, on a reported budget of about $38 million. It is one of only a handful of horror titles this year to reach that milestone, and it sits among the small group of original works that achieve it. The film was released by Warner Bros. and New Line, signaling industry confidence that fresh stories can draw big crowds even without established IP.
Interest in a Aunt Gladys-centered prequel has circulated, but industry observers say the box office win adds weight to the case for original projects. The success reinforces horror as a dependable path to profitability in a market where other genres struggle. Cregger is next directing a take on the Resident Evil franchise, set for release in 2026, which shows studios are pairing original risks with franchise work.
Critical response is mixed but notable for praising its practical effects, bold structure, and humor, sparking renewed discussion about what audiences want from horror.
Key Takeaways
"This is a horror movie that trusts its audience, while delivering on practical effects-driven violence, methodically employed scares, and a biting sense of humor."
Meagan Navarro's review for Bloody Disgusting describing the film's approach and impact.
"Really fucked up is how Cregger himself describes Weapons, underscoring the film’s bold ambition."
Author's note on the director’s own characterization of the film.
"A careful balance of originality and shocks can redefine what audiences expect from horror."
Editorial takeaway on the genre trend.
"This milestone signals a potential shift in how studios view original stories in a market hungry for fresh ideas."
Industry reaction to the box office milestone.
The box office milestone for Weapons suggests audiences are still hungry for ingenuity and quality in horror. It challenges the belief that only mega IP can top the charts and shows a market for ambitious storytelling with modest budgets.
For studios, the result could shift bets toward original concepts and more careful marketing that flags competence over spectacle. But there is risk: a single film's success does not guarantee a lasting trend and a prequel rumor can invite investor scrutiny if plans look risky.
Highlights
- Original horror still sells big when it feels earned.
- Audiences crave fresh scares not familiar brands.
- A low budget, big ambition can beat the odds.
- The horror aisle is proving to be a profitable frontier.
Budget and prequel plans may invite investor scrutiny
The film’s $38 million budget and rumored Aunt Gladys prequel raise questions about sustainability and investor reactions to non-franchise bets on genre.
This milestone could push studios to invest in more original horror.
Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!
Related News

Government allocates extra £100m to combat small boat crossings

Battlefield 6 rewards unlocked through Battlefield 2042

Gunfire near Gaza food sites investigated

Helldivers 2 crosses into Halo ODST territory on Xbox

Jurassic World Rebirth crosses 800 million

Destiny Rising hits milestone and unlocks rewards

Thai and Cambodian officials hold border talks in Malaysia

Israeli minister confronts Palestinian detainee in prison clip
