Nobody 2 Opens Below Forecasts as Horror Hit Weapons Stays on Top

The mid-August box office saw mixed fortunes: Bob Odenkirk’s Nobody 2 fell short of expectations, while the horror film Weapons solidified its status as one of the year’s biggest surprises.

The action sequel Nobody 2, released by Universal on August 15, 2025, opened to $9.3 million in North America from roughly 3,260 theaters. While higher than the $6.8 million debut of the 2021 original, the numbers came in below projections of $12–20 million. Globally, the film collected an estimated $14.3 million with $5 million from international markets.

Despite the modest debut, audience reception was fairly positive. Viewers awarded the film a B+ CinemaScore, and critics gave it a 77% approval on Rotten Tomatoes alongside a Metacritic score of 59. The film, which had a $25 million budget, may rely on steady word-of-mouth to reach profitability, though it faces tough competition.

That competition is being led by Weapons, Warner Bros.’ horror sleeper hit from director Zach Cregger. Now in its second weekend, the film grossed $25 million, a drop of only 43% from its strong $43 million opening. Starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, the movie has drawn praise for its suspenseful execution and standout performances.

So far, Weapons has generated about $89 million domestically and $148 million worldwide against a $38 million budget. Critics have been especially favorable, awarding it a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic. It is already the 14th highest-grossing film in North America this year, with more milestones expected as it continues its run.

By comparison, Disney’s Freakier Friday maintained its presence in second place over the weekend, underscoring the competitive nature of August releases. Together with Nobody 2 and Weapons, the films accounted for most of the weekend’s $93 million total box office, a lower-than-average tally for the summer season.

Analysts point to the enduring appeal of horror as a major factor driving attendance. The genre’s consistent success, particularly with well-reviewed releases like Weapons, suggests audiences remain eager for original thrills, even as sequels such as Nobody 2 struggle to match expectations.

The contrasting trajectories of these two films illustrate a larger trend in 2025’s box office: established franchises can falter without strong momentum, while fresh horror stories continue to capture attention and deliver substantial profits.