LOS ANGELES – The late-summer box office race heated up this weekend as New Line Cinema’s mystery-horror film Weapons secured a strong lead in Thursday night previews with $5.7 million. Close behind, Disney’s nostalgia-fueled sequel Freakier Friday captured a respectable $3.1 million, setting the stage for a competitive showdown for the number one spot.

The results, reported by industry trades including The Hollywood Reporter, highlight a classic case of studio counter-programming. The two films appeal to vastly different audience segments and their respective performances are being closely watched as a barometer for the health of the theatrical market heading into the fall season.

The Opening Salvo

Weapons, an R-rated thriller from director Zach Cregger, who gained critical acclaim for his 2022 hit Barbarian, capitalized on strong buzz and the horror genre's dedicated fanbase. Its $5.7 million preview gross is a formidable start, suggesting a weekend opening that could land in the $30 million to $35 million range. Horror films often see front-loaded results, as avid fans tend to turn out for opening night screenings.

In contrast, Freakier Friday, a PG-rated comedy, is expected to have longer legs throughout the weekend. The film, which reunites stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan nearly two decades after the original, is banking on multi-generational family audiences and strong matinee attendance on Saturday and Sunday. Its $3.1 million start points to a similarly robust opening weekend, with analysts projecting a close finish against its horror competitor.

"This is a fascinating matchup that demonstrates two viable paths to box office success," said Claire Matheson, a box office analyst at Comscore. "You have an original, director-driven horror film generating excitement through acclaim and mystery, versus a beloved IP sequel trading on nostalgia and star power. The fact that both are performing well is a positive sign for the industry."

A Tale of Two Audiences

The success of Weapons and Freakier Friday will ultimately depend on their ability to maximize their target demographics. Weapons, starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner, has been marketed as an "epic horror mystery," a genre that has proven highly successful in recent years. Its R-rating and complex plot are aimed squarely at an adult audience seeking a more challenging cinematic experience.

Freakier Friday represents Disney's strategy of mining its library for proven hits. The 2003 original, Freaky Friday, was a cultural touchstone for a generation, and the sequel hopes to attract those original fans along with their own children. The film's lighter tone offers a clear alternative for moviegoers not inclined toward the scares promised by Weapons.

Revitalizing a Slow Season

The strong openings for both films provide a much-needed jolt to a domestic box office that has been sluggish through late July and early August. Theaters have been looking for fresh content to drive ticket sales, and this weekend's contest offers a compelling narrative.

While Weapons has the early advantage, the race is far from over. Word-of-mouth will be crucial for both films. If Weapons can sustain its critical praise and generate positive audience scores, it could overcome the typically steep drop-off for horror films after opening night. Meanwhile, Freakier Friday will need to charm audiences to ensure the strong family turnout it needs to claim the top spot. The final weekend tally, to be confirmed on Sunday, will reveal which strategy ultimately won over American moviegoers.