Neon’s horror movie The Monkey is poised for a successful opening this weekend, with projected earnings of $12M-$14M after $1.9M in previews. This would mark the highest opening for a horror film so far this year. While some may be disappointed by the lower-than-expected numbers, Neon’s satisfactory result should still be seen as a win, considering the film’s production budget was only $10 million.
The Monkey’s marketing campaign seems to have paid off, with the film being widely promoted through various channels, including billboards and in-theater displays. Its strong audience reception is reflected in its 73% RT score and 80% critical approval rating.
Neon’s success this weekend comes amidst other exciting developments for the studio. Anora, a Cannes Film Festival-winning movie, is up for Best Feature at the Spirit Awards tomorrow and Best Ensemble on Sunday. If it wins, it would be another boost to Neon’s momentum in the Oscar season.
In contrast, some big-budget films are struggling. Disney’s Captain America: Brave New World saw significant drops in weekday numbers, with its projected second-weekend earnings now estimated at $30M-$40M. This suggests that the film may not reach its full potential.
The Monkey’s strong opening is a reminder of the importance of successful marketing and audience reception in the film industry. With a production budget of just $10 million, Neon can expect to make a small profit from The Monkey’s earnings.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/02/box-office-the-monkey-captain-america-1236297207