This Friday, the box office is set to get considerably more thrilling with the release of two new contenders vying for the coveted No. 1 spot: the family-friendly comedy “Freakier Friday” and the chilling horror thriller “Weapons.” In the lead-up to their releases, “Freakier Friday” has garnered an impressive $3.1 million during its Thursday previews, while “Weapons” has outperformed with a robust $5.7 million.
“Freakier Friday,” featuring beloved stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis—22 years after the original film—is projected to rake in between $27 million and $30 million over its opening weekend. On the other hand, “Weapons,” directed by Zach Cregger and serving as a follow-up to his 2022 horror hit “Barbarian,” is anticipated to closely compete with earnings in the range of $25 million to $30 million.
Both movies will face stiff competition from Marvel’s latest offering, “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which is expected to secure $18 million to $20 million in its third weekend. After an explosive debut of $117.6 million, “Fantastic Four” saw a staggering 66% drop in its second weekend. If it drops 50% in its third weekend, it will join the ranks of Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World” and “Thor: Love and Thunder,” both of which experienced similar declines. While “Fantastic Four” is on track to outpace “Captain America”—which grossed $415 million globally—it may not serve as the box office savior that Marvel desperately needs.
The plot of “Freakier Friday” takes the body swap concept to new heights, introducing a fresh twist with multiple character exchanges. Returning cast members Chad Michael Murray and Mark Harmon join new faces like Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Vanessa Bayer. The story revolves around Anna Coleman (played by Lohan), who swaps bodies with her mother, Tess (Curtis), and her daughter Harper (portrayed by Julia Butters), along with her soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily (played by Sophia Hammons). This sequel comes with a production budget of $42 million, highlighting its significant investment in star power and storytelling.
In contrast, the R-rated “Weapons” delves into darker themes, chronicling the eerie disappearance of 17 schoolchildren under mysterious circumstances. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Alden Ehrenreich, who portray community members grappling with the fallout from this tragedy as they seek to uncover the unsettling mystery. With a production budget of just $38 million, “Weapons” aims to captivate horror fans with its gripping narrative and chilling atmosphere.
As “Freakier Friday” and “Weapons” battle it out at the box office, moviegoers can expect a diverse range of entertainment options this weekend. Whether you're in the mood for a lighthearted comedy or a spine-tingling thriller, these new releases promise to deliver memorable cinematic experiences.
