‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Scares Up $7.2M in Thursday Previews Despite Drop From Original

Key Points

• Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 earned $7.2 million in Thursday previews.
• Preview numbers are 30% lower than the first film’s $10.3 million debut.
• Directed by Emma Tammi, the sequel is a theatrical‑only release.
• Early audience data shows 80% of viewers are under 25, with a 57% male / 43% female split.
• Weekend projections estimate a $35M–$40M opening, competing with Zootopia 2.

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Opens Strong With $7.2M in Previews

Universal and Blumhouse’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 kicked off its box office run with a solid $7.2 million from Thursday previews, setting the stage for a competitive Thanksgiving weekend. The sequel, produced for $36 million, arrives with high expectations following the breakout success of the first film.

While the preview haul is 30% lower than the original’s $10.3 million start, the early turnout signals continued enthusiasm from the franchise’s passionate fanbase.

A Theatrical‑Only Release Strategy

Director Emma Tammi returns to helm the second installment, which is being released exclusively in theaters—a shift from the first film’s hybrid rollout on Peacock and in cinemas.

The 2023 original stunned the industry with an $80 million opening weekend, boosted by a massive online following and strong interest despite limited cast promotion during the actors’ strike. Universal is betting that a theatrical‑only strategy will help the sequel build similar momentum.

Who’s Showing Up? Early Audience Breakdown

Initial demographic data highlights the franchise’s youthful appeal:

• 80% of opening‑night viewers are under 25
• Audience gender split: 57% male, 43% female

Studios are watching closely to see whether the female audience grows over the weekend, as the first film benefited from a broader turnout.

Weekend Forecast and Box Office Competition

Industry projections place Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 at $35 million to $40 million for its opening weekend. However, it faces strong competition from Disney’s Zootopia 2, which is expected to dominate with an estimated $50 million in its second weekend.

Even with the preview dip, the sequel’s early numbers suggest it could still deliver one of the stronger horror openings of the season.

What Happens Next?

The film’s performance over Friday and Saturday will determine whether it can close the gap with the original or settle into a more modest trajectory. With a loyal fanbase and no streaming release to split attention, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has a clear runway—if it can hold its young audience through the weekend.