Many horror movies hit the theaters just in time for the Halloween weekend, but none created as much buzz as Five Nights at Freddy’s. This surprise hit knocked it out of the park with its $130 million global opening, setting several records for its studio Blumhouse.
Five Nights at Freddy’s is based on Scott Cawthon’s video game franchise of the same name, and its adaptation was a long time coming. The story follows a troubled security guard, whose job at an abandoned entertainment center turns into a nightmare after its murderous animatronic mascots come alive.
Cawthon co-wrote the script for this video game adaptation alongside the film’s director Emma Tammi and fellow screenwriter Seth Cuddeback. The cast is led by Josh Hutcherson, with Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Matthew Lillard in supporting roles.
Five Nights at Freddy’s was released simultaneously in theaters and on Peacock on October 27, and it scored the second-best day-and-date domestic opening weekend behind Marvel’s Black Widow. With the 130 million global opening, including $78 million earned domestically, it also scored the best domestic opening weekend for a horror film this year and Blumhouse’s best domestic opening overall.
Universal Pictures is reportedly plotting more sequels in this franchise following the early success of Five Nights at Freddy’s, but they’re yet to officially confirm these rumors.
