Sony Pictures celebrates a triumphant return to the top spot at the box office with “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” raking in $45.2 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend across 4,345 theaters. This marks the studio’s first No. 1 film since the previous summer.
Similar to its predecessor “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” released in 2021, “Frozen Empire” debuted with a comparable $44 million launch. While both films have faced mixed reviews from critics, audience reception has remained more favorable, with “Frozen Empire” securing a B+ CinemaScore, slightly lower than the A- rating achieved by “Afterlife.”
Directed by Gil Kenan, co-writer of “Afterlife,” “Frozen Empire” ventures further into the franchise’s family-oriented realm, retaining its PG-13 rating. Notable original cast members including Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Bill Murray make supporting appearances, continuing the legacy of the beloved series.
Internationally, “Ghostbusters” films historically have not made significant waves, with “Frozen Empire” pulling in $16.4 million across 25 overseas markets. Despite this, the latest installment aims for sustained success, particularly during the upcoming spring break period.
While “Ghostbusters” dominates the box office, other releases vie for attention. “Immaculate,” featuring Sydney Sweeney as an American nun in a remote Italian convent, enters the fray with a debut of $5.4 million on 2,354 screens. Despite Sweeney’s rising star power, the horror film faces challenges in captivating audiences, according to industry experts.
“Dune: Part Two” continues its strong performance, securing the No. 2 spot with an additional $17.6 million in its fourth weekend, boosting its domestic total to $233.4 million. Overseas sales contribute significantly to its success, amassing a worldwide haul of $574.4 million.
Meanwhile, Universal’s “Kung Fu Panda 4” slips to third place after two weeks at the top, bringing in $16.8 million over its third weekend. The DreamWorks animated sequel maintains its appeal domestically, reaching $133.2 million, while its debut in China reflects the ongoing popularity of the franchise in the region.
As the weekend concludes, the box office landscape reflects a diverse array of offerings, with each film vying for audience attention and box office supremacy.
