The iconic slasher franchise 'Scream' has once again proven its enduring appeal, with the latest installment, 'Scream 7', breaking records at the box office. The film's domestic debut raked in an impressive $64.1 million, surpassing the previous benchmark set by 'Scream VI' in 2023. This success story extends globally, as 'Scream 7' collected an additional $33.1 million internationally, resulting in a worldwide total of $97.2 million. Despite its substantial budget of $45 million, the film is expected to turn a profit during its theatrical run.
The franchise's resurgence is a testament to its longevity and the enduring fascination with horror. 'Scream' has captivated audiences for over three decades, and its latest iteration benefits from the return of Neve Campbell, who reprises her role as Sidney Prescott, a character who was notably absent in 'Scream VI' due to salary disputes. The film's success is further bolstered by the nostalgia factor and the genre's enduring popularity.
However, the journey to 'Scream 7's' release was not without challenges. The project faced setbacks, including the firing of Melissa Barrera, who played a pivotal role in the 'Scream' reboot and 'Scream VI', due to social media posts perceived as antisemitic. This led to the departure of her co-star, Jenna Ortega, and director Christopher Landon. Despite a vocal backlash and protests at the premiere, fans flocked to theaters, proving the enduring appeal of the franchise.
The film's reception from critics and moviegoers was mixed, with a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 'B-' grade on CinemaScore exit polls. While horror enthusiasts appreciate the experience of being startled in a packed, dark theater, the film's performance might be influenced by the genre's known decline in the second weekend. As the only major release of the weekend, 'Scream 7' dominated the box office, with 'GOAT' and 'Wuthering Heights' taking second and third places, respectively.
'GOAT', an animated family film, secured second place with $12 million, showcasing its resilience with a mere 29% decline in its third weekend. The film has accumulated $73.9 million domestically and $130.5 million globally, surpassing its production cost of $80 million. Similarly, 'Wuthering Heights' generated $72.3 million in North America and $119.7 million internationally, resulting in a global tally of $192 million. These films demonstrate the endurance of animated releases in theaters, mirroring the success of recent original animated films.
In other box office news, Neon's 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert' expanded to 1,940 theaters, collecting $3.5 million and boosting its domestic total to $7.8 million. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film utilizes never-before-seen footage of Elvis Presley, adding to its appeal.
