Horror film “The Black Phone” becomes highest-grossing acquired by Universal Pictures in 2023
The horror film *The Black Phone*, acquired by Universal Pictures in 2022, has surpassed $63 million at the global box office, becoming the studio’s highest-grossing horror film in over a decade, according to Box Office Mojo. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson and released in June 2022, was purchased by Universal at the Sundance Film Festival for a reported $15 million, marking a significant win for the studio’s independent film division.
How did “The Black Phone” achieve its box office success?
*The Black Phone* opened with $23.5 million in its first weekend, exceeding expectations for a horror film with a $10 million production budget. Its success was fueled by strong word-of-mouth, with an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s narrative, which follows a boy who receives calls from the killer’s next victims, resonated with audiences seeking atmospheric suspense. Universal’s marketing strategy, which emphasized the film’s chilling tone and genre revival, also contributed to its performance, according to Variety.
Why is this acquisition significant for Universal?
Universal’s acquisition of *The Black Phone* highlights the studio’s renewed focus on independent horror films, a genre that has seen a resurgence in recent years. The film’s performance outpaces other 2022 horror releases like *Scream* ($47 million) and *Smile* ($76 million), though it falls short of the $123 million earned by *It* (2017). “This acquisition underscores Universal’s strategy to invest in high-concept, low-budget films that deliver strong returns,” said analyst Jeff Bock of Box Office Mojo.
What does this mean for the horror genre in 2023?
The success of *The Black Phone* has sparked renewed interest in independent horror films, with other studios reportedly evaluating similar projects. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount and Warner Bros. are exploring acquisitions of films from the 2023 Sundance and Cannes festivals. However, experts caution that the genre’s growth depends on consistent quality. “Audiences are selective,” said film critic Kate Erbland. “A single hit doesn’t guarantee a trend.”
How does “The Black Phone” compare to other horror hits?
While *The Black Phone* has not broken all-time box office records, its $63 million total—$40 million domestically—places it among the top 10 horror films of the