Obsession Tops $100M as Backrooms Targets $90M Opening
Updated
Updated · Deadline · May 30
Obsession Tops $100M as Backrooms Targets $90M Opening
8 articles · Updated · Deadline · May 30
Obsession crossed $100 million on Thursday night, Jason Blum said, after posting the rare feat of rising box office over two straight weekends after opening.
Backrooms opened Friday and is projected to earn up to $90 million in its debut weekend, a result that would set an A24 opening record.
Blum credited both films' traction to online-born filmmakers who are unusually focused on audience response, saying YouTube creators embrace test screenings and connect more directly with younger moviegoers.
That momentum follows Blumhouse's shift about a year ago back toward low-budget films from younger, often first-time directors after a run of underperformers; Blum said Focus will release Obsession director Curry Barker's next film next year.
Blum and James Wan said their merged Blumhouse-Atomic Monster model keeps two creative labels under one company, with Blum framing the longer-term goal as becoming the 'Disney of horror' within five years.
Can Blumhouse's creator-led model build a horror empire, or will AI democratize filmmaking beyond any studio's control?
With internet creators now conquering the box office, is the traditional Hollywood development model officially broken?