The horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has made a significant impact at the North American box office, earning an impressive $63 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. This figure not only surpasses initial projections but also establishes the film as the highest-grossing opening for the weekend after Thanksgiving and the largest for a PG-13 movie in 2025.
Following Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, the animated sequel Zootopia 2 secured second place with a solid $43 million. In the third spot, Wicked: For Good performed well, followed by Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which rounded out the top five.
Box Office Trends and Milestones
As the year draws to a close, the domestic box office has exceeded $8 billion, marking a milestone that highlights the resilience of the film industry. Despite negative reviews for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, audiences flocked to theaters, demonstrating a strong appetite for horror-themed entertainment. This trend poses questions about the longevity of audience interest in the genre.
In a separate but notable event, the Kennedy Center Honors took place in Washington, D.C., where legendary figures such as Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, and the rock band Kiss were recognized for their contributions to American culture. President Donald Trump hosted the gala, marking a first for a sitting president. This year’s honorees were celebrated for their profound influence on the arts, and the occasion was particularly poignant for Kiss members, following the recent passing of their original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley.
Tributes and Celebrations in the Arts
In a touching remembrance, Puerto Rican salsa musician Rafael Ithier, co-founder of the iconic band El Gran Combo, passed away at the age of 99. His significant impact on the music scene has influenced many modern artists, including reggaeton sensation Bad Bunny. Ithier’s death, confirmed by his family’s attorney, is a notable loss to the Latin music community.
Meanwhile, Hungarian author and 2025 Nobel Prize for Literature laureate László Krasznahorkai delivered a rare lecture in Stockholm as part of Nobel week. His discussion encompassed themes of human dignity and rebellion, further solidifying his reputation for surreal storytelling.
In the world of opera, Milan’s Teatro alla Scala recently premiered Dmitry Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, receiving a warm reception from a gala audience with a 12-minute standing ovation. This marks the theater’s second opening with a Russian melodrama since the onset of recent geopolitical tensions.
In the realm of entertainment controversies, Vanity Fair announced its separation from West Coast editor Olivia Nuzzi, following scrutiny related to her past coverage of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. Their mutual decision to allow her contract to expire comes after revelations about her personal connections with the politician.
On a different note, American playwright Jeremy O. Harris, known for his acclaimed work Slave Play, has been arrested in Japan for alleged ecstasy smuggling. Authorities detained him at Naha Airport with a small quantity of MDMA. As investigations continue, the implications of this incident on Harris’s career remain uncertain.
The entertainment landscape is shifting as Netflix moves to acquire Warner Bros., one of Hollywood’s historic studios. This significant deal raises questions about potential changes in theatrical distribution and the overall impact on filmmakers and the global exhibition business.
As 2025 progresses, the entertainment industry is witnessing a blend of celebration and controversy, reflecting the dynamic nature of cultural influence and audience engagement.
