“Annabelle: Creation” officially hit theaters on Thursday night and it appears the newest addition to the long running horror series is making good on its promise. Variety reports the film brought in $4 million in its debut night. Those numbers indicate the film is well on its way to a strong opening weekend among a landscape of less than impressive films.
The late summer slump has made Hollywood a bit nervous as most the country prepares to go back to school. While the fall is still going to be bringing big flicks such as “Thor: Ragnarok” movie goers have been dropping off as we move towards September.
The demon possessed doll could bring a much-needed spark to theaters this weekend.
‘Annabelle: Creation’ earning money back quickly
Considering Warner Bros. spent jut $15 million in order to bring “Annabelle” to life, the $4 million in one day has to be good news for the studio. At the same time, there has been a bit of a dropoff when compared to opening weekends of other movies in the series.
The original “Annabelle” opened with $37.1 million while “The Conjuring” had $41.9 million and “The Conjuring 2” brought in a little over $40.4 million. The prequel might simply be suffering from “Annabelle” fatigue. It could also be that there aren’t any big name actors in this flick such as Patrick Wilson, who has made appearances in several of the films in the series.
“Creation” looks plenty spooky and has been getting decent reviews, but doesn’t have a big name actor in order to draw in people who aren’t already hooked on the franchise.
'The Conjuring 3' is still coming down the pike
While “Annabelle: Creation” is having a strong, if not improbable opening, there appears to be enough strength behind the series to continue making more.
While filiming “Aquaman” the man most known for helping to make this horror franchise so popular, James Wan talked about the work he’s doing.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Wan told the publication, “When we were starting out, when we made the first Conjuring, we always kind of quietly, jokingly, among ourselves, felt that the world of the Warrens, and all the interesting artifacts they have in their haunted room, could have their own stories and therefore spawn movies.”
Now the producer and director is indeed working on “The Conjuring 3” as well as yet another spinoff called “The Crooked Man.” Just when those finally hit theaters likely depends on just how well “Annabelle: Creation” does in theaters.
