The weekend box office race is already taking shape, and two major releases are battling for attention before their official opening numbers arrive. Early preview figures show that Scary Movie has gotten off to a strong start, while Masters of the Universe is hoping word-of-mouth can help it build momentum over the coming days.
After spending more than a decade away from theaters, the Scary Movie franchise appears to have returned at the right time. Horror remains one of Hollywood’s hottest genres, and the parody series is using that popularity to its advantage by poking fun at many of the biggest genre hits released in recent years. Meanwhile, Masters of the Universe is attempting to revive another well-known franchise, bringing He-Man back to the big screen for a new generation.
With preview numbers now in, both films have offered the first glimpse of how audiences are responding.
Scary Movie Leads Early With Strong Preview Earnings
According to early box office estimates, Scary Movie collected $7.7 million from Thursday preview screenings. The figure puts the comedy-horror sequel in a strong position heading into its first full weekend and has sparked discussion about whether the film can set a new opening-weekend record for the franchise.
Industry projections currently place the movie somewhere between $40 million and $50 million for its debut frame. If the upper end of those forecasts becomes reality, it could surpass Scary Movie 4, which previously held the franchise’s biggest opening weekend with nearly $50 million back in 2006.
One of the biggest attractions is the return of the Wayans family. Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and Craig Wayans helped craft the new installment, bringing the franchise back to its original creative roots. Familiar faces including Regina Hall and Anna Faris have also returned, giving longtime fans another reason to check out the latest chapter.
The film reportedly spoofs a wide range of modern horror hits, including Smile, Terrifier, Get Out, Wednesday, Longlegs, Weapons, and Sinners. That mix of nostalgia and current pop-culture references appears to be connecting with audiences.
Masters of the Universe Starts With $4.4 Million in Previews
While Scary Movie grabbed the larger preview number, Masters of the Universe also entered theaters this weekend and earned $4.4 million from Thursday screenings. The fantasy adventure is currently projected to open between $30 million and $35 million domestically.
The film stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam, better known to fans as He-Man, alongside Jared Leto’s Skeletor. Directed by Travis Knight, the adaptation also features Idris Elba, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, and Morena Baccarin in key roles. The movie represents Hollywood’s latest attempt to revive Mattel’s classic franchise after years of development setbacks and canceled projects.
Unlike Scary Movie, however, Masters of the Universe faces greater pressure at the box office because of its reported $200 million production budget. While the opening projections are respectable, the film will need strong international performance and sustained audience interest to justify that investment.
The Weekend Race Is Far From Over
Another surprise contender has entered the conversation as well. The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act reportedly generated $7.8 million in previews, slightly edging past Scary Movie and setting a new pre-sales record for distributor Fathom Entertainment. The success highlights the growing influence of online-created franchises in theatrical exhibition.
Last weekend’s champion, Backrooms, is also expected to remain a major force during its second weekend. The horror title continues benefiting from strong audience buzz and could challenge newcomers for the top position.
Still, much of the attention remains focused on Scary Movie. The franchise has been absent from multiplexes for thirteen years, and its return has already produced one of the strongest preview performances in the series’ history. Whether that momentum translates into a record-breaking weekend will become clear once the final numbers arrive.
For now, the early box office battle belongs to Scary Movie, while Masters of the Universe begins its theatrical journey hoping audiences embrace its return to Eternia.
