Final Destination: Bloodlines’ scores franchise-best $43m opening

(Web Desk): Warner Bros. continues its winning streak at the box office as “Final Destination: Bloodlines” opens with an impressive $43 million across 3,523 theaters, making it the biggest opening in the franchise’s history. The horror film earned $20 million on Friday alone, including $5.5 million from Thursday previews, easily beating industry expectations.

Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, and written by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, the film has been well received by audiences, earning a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It is Warner Bros.’ fourth No. 1 debut this year, following the successes of Mickey 17, Minecraft, and Sinners.

Speaking of Sinners, the vampire thriller remains strong in its fifth weekend with $15 million, a drop of just 32% from last week. Its total domestic earnings are projected to hit $240.3 million by Sunday, putting it ahead of previous R-rated horror hits like The Blair Witch Project.

In second place this weekend is Disney/Marvel’s Thunderbolts, earning $16 million in its third weekend, pushing its total to $154.8 million.

Meanwhile, Hurry Up Tomorrow, starring The Weeknd and Jenna Ortega, had a slow start with an estimated $3.3M–4.7M. The opening aligns with The Weeknd’s $400 million tour and the release of his new album, but audience response has been lukewarm.

Rounding out the top five, A Minecraft Movie added $5.6 million in its seventh weekend, bringing its total to $416.3 million.

Warner Bros. continues to dominate as horror films lead the way this May.