Neon’s highly anticipated horror thriller, Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, made a strong debut at the box office this past weekend. Despite some mixed reviews, the film managed to earn an impressive $22.6 million in the domestic market, marking the biggest opening in Neon’s seven-year history and the top opening for an original horror movie this year.
The studio has compared the success of Longlegs to that of the iconic Blair Witch Project, emphasizing the film’s unexpected and impressive performance. Neon’s extensive marketing efforts, including trailers shown before major blockbuster films and a creative campaign to generate intrigue, certainly paid off in attracting audiences to the theaters. The element of mystery surrounding Nicolas Cage’s character also added to the film’s appeal, drawing in viewers curious to see the horror unfold on the big screen.
While Longlegs secured a strong second place behind Despicable Me 4 in terms of box office earnings, it is clear that the film has made a significant impact and garnered attention within the industry. With other successful films like Inside Out 2 and A Quiet Place: Day One also performing well, the summer box office season is proving to be lucrative for various studios.
Looking ahead, moviegoers can anticipate the release of Universal and Warner Bros.’ Twisters next weekend, followed by the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine the following week. The success of recent films and the excitement surrounding upcoming releases indicate a positive trend for the theatrical movie experience, especially with major events like San Diego Comic-Con coinciding with blockbuster premieres.
As the summer movie season continues to unfold, the question remains: did Longlegs meet expectations and deliver on its promise of suspense and horror, or did it fall short for some viewers? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below as we await the next wave of cinematic offerings in the coming weeks.
