Sony’s highly anticipated sequel, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, is set to hit theaters this week with an expected opening weekend box office of around $45 million. The previous installment, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which was released during the pandemic in 2021, opened to $44 million and went on to gross $129 million domestically. With this new release, the Ghostbusters franchise is on track to surpass the $1 billion mark globally, solidifying its position as a box office powerhouse.
Through four movies, the Ghostbusters franchise has accumulated a staggering $945.2 million at the box office. The upcoming sequel, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, is projected to push the brand over the $1 billion threshold worldwide. The film will be screening in 4,300 theaters, with previews kicking off at 2 p.m. Thursday in approximately 3,600 locations. This release comes at a time when the spring break audience is in full force, with a significant number of schools and colleges on break.
In addition to its domestic release, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is also set to hit 25 international markets, including the UK, Mexico, Australia, Spain, and Germany. The film is expected to resonate with global audiences, further solidifying the franchise’s appeal on a worldwide scale.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife aimed to revitalize the franchise, drawing in both die-hard fans and new audiences. The film, directed by Jason Reitman and featuring original cast members Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson, received positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. Its predecessor, the 2016 female-led Ghostbusters reboot, while successful at the box office, was met with mixed reactions from fans. The decision to bring back the original cast for Afterlife proved to be a winning formula, setting the stage for a successful continuation of the franchise.
Ghostbusters has traditionally appealed to an older male audience, with a significant portion of its box office coming from male viewers over the age of 25. However, Sony is also targeting families with teens and older children, broadening the film’s demographic appeal. The sequel is expected to perform well among both male and female audiences, with strong interest from moviegoers over 25.
As Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire prepares to hit theaters, the anticipation and excitement among fans are palpable. With a stellar cast, a compelling storyline, and a loyal fan base, the film is poised to be a major success at the box office. As the Ghostbusters franchise continues to evolve and grow, it remains a cultural phenomenon that captivates audiences around the world.