Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter “The Exorcist: Believer,” a reboot in the legacy horror franchise, opened atop box office charts despite falling short of expectations.
The film, from Universal and Blumhouse, collected $27.2 million from 3,663 North American venues over the weekend, below estimates that were closer to $35 million. “Believer” also opened at the international box office with $17.8 million for a global start of $45.1 million.
The “Exorcist” sequel cost $30 million so it’s well-positioned in its theatrical run. But reviews (23% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audience scores (“C” CinemaScore) were terrible, so the studio may need to reconsider its strategy before the next installment opens in 2025.
Universal spent a staggering $400 million to buy the rights to the terrifying property, with plans to at least develop a trilogy around these supernatural battles with the devil.
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