October’s box office is looking eerily quiet, much like last year when Joker: Folie à Deux failed to ignite audiences. This month, despite a lineup of star-studded films, theaters are struggling to fill seats. The Smashing Machine and Roofman, both well-received, flopped spectacularly, while Disney’s high-budget Tron: Ares confirmed its niche appeal. It’s no surprise Netflix is re-releasing K-pop Demon Hunters for Halloween—theater owners are desperate for a hit. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Blumhouse’s The Black Phone 2 save the day? The original was a surprise hit, grossing $23 million in its opening weekend and eventually raking in over $160 million globally on a shoestring $16 million budget. It proved Blumhouse’s low-budget, high-concept formula could be gold—if executed perfectly. Yet, Blumhouse has since stumbled with flops like Wolf Man, Woman in the Yard, Drop, and the costly M3GAN 2.0. The Black Phone 2 is projected to open at $20 million, a decent but unspectacular figure. And this is the part most people miss: The sequel faces skepticism due to Ethan Hawke’s return as The Grabber, despite his character’s death in the original. Plus, Hawke’s limited screen time might deter fans, though rising star Mason Thames (fresh off the How to Train Your Dragon reboot) could draw younger audiences. Ironically, Thames’s other film, Regretting You, opens next weekend—talk about competition! Elsewhere, Tron: Ares is expected to drop to $15 million in its second week, a 50-60% decline that spells trouble for the franchise. Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, starring Keanu Reeves as an angel, might scrape $10 million, but mixed reviews and comedy’s recent box office struggles could cap its potential. Amazon/MGM’s awards contender After the Hunt is predicted to open at $6 million, likely overshadowed by streaming anticipation. Roofman rounds out the top five with $5 million. Here are our predictions: 1. The Black Phone 2: $20 million, 2. Tron: Ares: $15 million, 3. Good Fortune: $10 million, 4. After the Hunt: $6 million, 5. Roofman: $5 million. Controversial question: Is Blumhouse’s reliance on low-budget horror sustainable, or are audiences growing tired of the formula? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! What are you watching this weekend? About the Author: Editor-in-Chief - JoBlo. Favorite Movies: Goodfellas, A Clockwork Orange, Boogie Nights, Goldfinger, Casablanca, Scarface (1983), Heat, The Guns of Navarone, The Dirty Dozen, Pulp Fiction, Taxi Driver, Blade Runner, and film noir classics. Likes: Movies, LPs, James Bond, Hollywood memoirs, The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, 60s British pop, 80s new wave, and Tom Cruise!
