Overview
- The sequel earned $29.8 million on Friday from 3,412 locations, putting it on pace for a $56.5 million opening weekend.
- Thursday previews reached $7.2 million, about 30% below the first film’s $10.3 million preview take.
- The opening is tracking above pre-release estimates of $35–40 million as the film rolls out exclusively in theaters.
- Audience polling landed at a B on CinemaScore versus an A- for the 2023 original, and critics’ scores sit around 13% on Rotten Tomatoes with a 31 on Metacritic.
- Analysts expect a frontloaded weekend with limited staying power given the weaker reception and the post-Thanksgiving release slot.