Ethan Hawke’s Black Phone 2 Surpasses Major Horror Flop at Box Office
The success of Ethan Hawke’s *Black Phone 2* marks a notable milestone in the horror genre. With its release just weeks ago, it has already outperformed several past box office disappointments, including Universal’s infamous *The Wolfman*.
*Black Phone 2* Surpasses Major Horror Flop at the Box Office
*Black Phone 2*, though produced on a smaller budget, has generated significant revenue, surpassing the original film’s earnings. The sequel managed to gross over $100 million globally, a commendable feat considering it fell short of the first film’s impressive $160 million total.
Comparison with *The Wolfman*
In a surprising turn of events, *Black Phone 2* has officially overtaken *The Wolfman*, which had a domestic box office gross of just $62 million. The latter, released in 2010, was produced with a staggering $150 million budget and struggled to break even, achieving just over $140 million worldwide. This financial disparity has led to its inclusion on various lists of major box office flops.
About *The Wolfman*
Directed by Joe Johnston, *The Wolfman* featured a star-studded cast, including Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins, and Hugo Weaving. Unfortunately, the film failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, holding a mere 32% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Future of Universal’s Horror Franchises
Following the lackluster performance of *The Wolfman*, Universal has shifted its strategy towards lower-budget adaptations of its classic monster films. This approach is part of a broader effort to revitalize their horror franchises while learning from previous missteps.
- Box Office Earnings:
- *Black Phone 2*: Over $100 million globally
- *The Wolfman*: $62 million lifetime domestic haul
- Budget:
- *Black Phone 2*: Lower budget than *The Wolfman*
- *The Wolfman*: $150 million
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating:
- *The Wolfman*: 32% approval
As *Black Phone 2* continues to draw in audiences, it sets a benchmark for future horror films. The film’s ability to succeed where others have faltered illustrates the evolving landscape of cinematic horror.
