Sony’s latest installment in the Ghostbusters franchise, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, is set to hit theaters with a projected $45 million opening weekend at the domestic box office. This highly anticipated sequel follows the success of the previous film, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which amassed $129 million domestically and contributed to the franchise’s total box office earnings of $945.2 million.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is scheduled to screen in 4,300 theaters, providing audiences with the immersive experience of Premium Large Format (PLF) screens and some Imax showings. With previews starting on Thursday afternoon in 3,600 locations, the film aims to capture the attention of the spring break audience, especially during days when a significant percentage of K-12 schools and colleges are on break, according to Comscore data.
While the domestic market is crucial for Ghostbusters, the film is also poised to make an impact globally with releases in 25 international markets, representing approximately 55% of the international audience. Key markets include the UK, Mexico, Australia, Spain, and Germany, where Ghostbusters has traditionally enjoyed a strong following.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife marked a return to the roots of the franchise, garnering positive responses from fans and critics alike. With the involvement of original cast members such as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson, the film was praised for its nostalgic homage to the classic 1980s sci-fi and fantasy films. The passing of Ghostbusters filmmaker Ivan Reitman added a poignant touch to the continuation of the series under the direction of Jason Reitman and co-scribe Gil Kenan.
Ghostbusters has traditionally appealed to an older male demographic, and the recent installment continued this trend, attracting a significant proportion of male viewers over the age of 25. Sony’s marketing efforts for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire also target families with teenagers and older children, aiming to broaden the film’s appeal beyond its core fan base. The sequel is expected to outperform its predecessor in terms of audience interest, considering the impact of the pandemic on theatrical releases.
While Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire looks poised for success at the box office, it faces competition from other releases such as Immaculate from NEON, offering audiences a different genre experience. The film industry continues to adapt to changing audience preferences and viewing habits, with a focus on delivering diverse and engaging content to attract viewers to theaters.
As Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire prepares for its theatrical debut, the film industry eagerly anticipates the box office performance of this latest installment in the beloved franchise. With a mix of nostalgia, action, and supernatural elements, Ghostbusters aims to captivate audiences and continue its legacy as a fan-favorite series that transcends generations.