Evil Dead Riseis off to a strong start at the box office, opening to $23.5 million domestically in its first weekend of release. The horror sequel has receivedpositive reception from fans and critics alike, as evidenced by this solid opening.Lee Cronin(The Hole in the Ground) directed the film, with theEvil DeadmastermindSam Raimiproducing.
This number was enough forEvil Dead Riseto nab the second spot at this weekend’s domestic box office, just falling short of the animated juggernaut from Universal and Illumination Entertainment,The Super Mario Bros. Movie.Risewas able to pass fellow newcomers, such asGuy Ritchie’s The Covenant, starringJake Gyllenhaal,Ari Aster’sBeau is AfraidwithJoaquin Phoenix, andperiod pieceChevalier. The horror sequel performed well in some of the most important domestic markets, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, with the top location being AMC Burbank in California.
Warner Bros. has to be incredibly happy with this total for two reasons. First, the film has already surpassed its modest budget of $19 million.Risehas some breathing room, namely in the horror genre, with 20th Century Studios’The Boogeymanthe next major horror film to hit theaters. Yet perhaps even more so, this critical and financial reception undoubtedly vindicates the studio’s decision to releaseEvil Dead Risein theaters, asit had initially been intended for HBO Max. Warner Bros. opted for a theatrical releasedue to positive early test screenings. While streaming has been a strong resource for all fans to take in content amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s something to be said for the theatrical experience, especially with a horror film such as this one.
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Evil Dead Riseis the fifth film in theEvil Deadfranchise, which began in 1981 with the original film starringBruce Campbelland directed by Raimi.Risefollows “two estranged sisters trying to survive and save their family from demonic creatures.“Lily Sullivan(Monlith),Alyssa Sutherland(Vikings),Morgan Davies, andGabrielle Echolsstar. Campbell appears in the film intwo small cameo roles. The actor mentioned that he, Raimi, and Raimi’s brotherIvanhave discussed the possibility of continuing the franchise beyond this fifth film, perhaps in somevery intriguing ways.
Evil Dead Riseis currently in theaters. Check out our interview with Sutherland, who portrays the deadite Ellie, below:
