Jolting the domestic box office back to life in a major way, New Line’s The Conjuring: Last Rites topped the weekend chart with a colossal $83 million domestic debut, including a huge $34.5 million Friday, including a record $8.5 million in Thursday previews.
That’s by far the best opening in the history of the franchise and the third-biggest horror opening of all time in yet another win for Warner Bros.’ film empire, as well as the best showing of the year so far for any Hollywood horror title. Last Rites is the seventh consecutive WB release to open north of $40 million this year, a first for any Hollywood studio and one of the numerous milestones achieved this year by the once-struggling studio.
The news only gets better from there. The R-rated film continued to see its audience grow throughout the weekend. On Friday afternoon, it looked like it was headed for a record $65 million-plus bow. On Saturday, it was on course to open to $75 million from 3,802 theaters, including a lion’s share of higher-priced Imax and other premium large-format screens, which are a boon for the film in accounting for 40 percent of its total gross so far.
Sunday’s estimate of $83 million left Warners and New Line reeling, considering they had projected $35 million heading into the weekend, although other box pundits thought north of $50 million was more likely.
Overseas, Last Rites also came in well ahead of an expected $50 million with a record-shattering $104 million for a terrifyingly great global start of $187 million against a net production budget of $55 million before marketing. It surpassed fellow New Line release It: Chapter Two ($92.5 million) to rank as the industry’s top foreign bow of all time at the foreign box office, not adjusted for inflation, and Hollywood’s second-largest horror bow of all time globally.
The Conjuring: Last Rites stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are in their final turn as real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren, but that doesn’t mean the franchise is going anywhere. Last Rites is billed as the ninth and final title in Phase One of The Conjuring Universe, which has become the top-earning horror franchise ever after collecting more than $2.3 billion in global ticket sales, not adjusted for inflation. Next up is Phase Two.
Directed by series regular Michael Chaves, Last Rites — a sequel to The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It — is based on the Warren’s investigation of the Smurl haunting in Pennsylvania. Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy also star, with Atomic Monster’s James Wan and DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran returning to produce.
In 2013, the very first Conjuring movie opened to $41 million domestically, not adjusted for inflation. No subsequent title in the Conjuring Universe was able to topple that record until The Nun, which debuted to $53.8 million in 2018.
Critics haven’t been so kind to the new Last Rites movie — the same could be said for most installments — but audience reaction is promising. The pic received a B CinemaScore, a great grade for a horror pic.
That isn’t the only new offering on the marquee scaring up strong numbers as the fall box office gets underway. Disney’s rerelease of the acclaimed 2021 filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s groundbreaking stage musical Hamilton is singing to strong numbers, earning an estimated $3.9 million on Friday, including $850,000 in Thursday previews.
Based on early returns, Hamilton is now on track to come in second for the weekend with a pleasing $10 million, slightly ahead of last weekend’s 50th anniversary rerelease of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws.
Hamilton is booked in 1,825 theaters domestically, including over 100 premium large-format screens. Promoted as a one-week limited engagement, the run will likely be extended based on demand.
Between them, Warner Bros. and Disney own the upper reaches of the box office chart.
Warners and New Line’s Weapons and Disney’s Freakier Friday, both now in their fifth outings, held steady in fourth and fifth place.
Weapons took in $5.4 million domestically from 3,284 North American theaters for a domestic cume of $143 million despite fierce competition from Conjuring. Overseas, it earned another $4.6 million as it cleared the $250 million mark in worldwide ticket sales.
People are well aware of Weapons‘ staying power, but Freakier Friday‘s stamina has also become a topic of conversation. The long-awaited sequel fell only 44 percent to $3.8 million for a domestic total of $87.8 from 3,125 cinemas (that was the best hold of any film in the top 10). Overseas, its foreign tally stands at $55.1 million for a global total of $142.9 million.
Darren Aronofsky’s star-studded Caught Stealing isn’t as fortunate, at least so far. It tumbled 59 percent in its second outing to $3.2 million from 3,578 locations for a for a fifth-place finish domestically.
Sept. 5, 1:50 p.m.: Updated with revised weekend projections. Sept. 6, 8:00 a.m.: Updated with revised weekend projections. Sept. 6, 9:15 a.m.: Updated with revised overseas numbers. Sept. 7:30 a.m.: Updated with revised weekend estimates
This story was originally published Sept. 5 at 8:28 a.m.
AMC Theatres is trying a new tactic to keep horror fatigue at bay at the fall box office as Halloween approaches.
The country’s largest theater circuit on Sept. 5 announced the launch of the “AMC Slash Pass,” a new limited-time ticketing program that coincides with a crowded line-up of genre films getting ready to unfurl between now and the end of the year.
AMC timed its news to the opening of this weekend’s The Conjuring: Last Rites. (The latest Conjuring installment doesn’t appear to need any help, and is on course for a record-shattering domestic opening of $65 million or more.)
For $66.66, the Slash Pass provides moviegoers with six admissions to use on participating horror films at AMC Theatres locations nationwide.
Through the end of 2025, guests may redeem their six admissions across multiple participating titles, or bring five friends and apply all six admissions to the same participating film, or mix and match other combinations. Online convenience fees may apply depending on the method of redemption, as well as AMC Stubs membership status.
“We’re excited to kick off the Halloween season with this new offering for horror movie fans, celebrating our fall lineup of highly anticipated new releases as well as iconic classics that launched some of the most memorable franchises in horror history,” Ellen Copaken, AMC’s senior vp of marketing said in a statement. “Horror has quickly become one of our most popular genres, especially among Gen Z audiences, who know that horror movies are best enjoyed in the comfortable, communal environment of our theatres.”
Copaken is far from wrong, although too much of a good thing can go south quickly. The horror genre is no longer the sure bet it once was. While original pics like Sinners and Weapons turned into sleeper hits this year, other 2025 horror titles, such as M3GAN 2.0, failed miserably.
Those purchasing an AMC Slash Pass can use it to see Conjuring: Last Rites, along with upcoming releases The Long Walk (Sept. 12), Him (Sept. 19) and The Strangers — Chapter 2 (Sept. 26). And they’ll be no shortage of Slash Pass offerings over the Oct. 3-5 weekend, when Good Boy, Shelby Oaks and Bone Lake all launch.
Two weeks later, Black Phone 2 begins ringing a the box office on Oct. 17, followed by Eli Roth Presents Dream Water (Oct. 24), Halloween Double Feature: Hallow Road & Vincent Must Die (Oct. 31), Keeper (Nov. 14) and Five Nights at Freddy’s2 (Dec. 5).
Additionally, AMC’s Slash Pass can be redeemed for a handful of classic horror titles returning to more than 200 AMC locations this October as part of the circuit’s Thrills & Chills banner. They include A Nightmare on Elm Street (Oct. 1), Friday the 13th (Oct. 8), Candyman (Oct. 15), Scream (Oct. 22) and Terrifier (Oct. 19).
A-listers Padma Lakshmi and Jennifer Lopez have been living their best lives as of late. The former Top Chef host started her lingerie line, Padma X Bare Necessities, which is seemingly gaining buzz. Meanwhile, JLo has her Up All Night tour and is looking towards the nationwide debut of her 2025 movie release, Kiss of the Spider Woman, which opens in October. The two celebrities, who are in their 50s, also prove that age is just a number by sharing their sweet new bikini photos.
Women like Padma Lakshmi and Jennifer Lopez prove that being in your 50s means there’s still room for beauty and a fit body. For example, the Taste the Nation creator posted Instagram photos of herself rocking a pink bikini, and the snapshots are giving me serious FOMO:
celebrated her 50th birthday by wearing a bikini. Like Lakshmi said, “50 is the new 30.” Not to mention, Lakshmi rocked an itsy bitsy yellow bikini in Sports Illustrated back in 2023. It seems age has only sharpened her grace.
poses in a swimsuit by a fruit platter or wears a yellow bikini on a yacht, she’s always crushing it. (I’d love to know Lopez’s fitness secrets.) Summer may now be reaching its end, but it doesn’t mean the Maid in Manhattan actress’ bikini poses are stopping. A photo shared to Lopez’s Instagram stories showed the “Jenny From the Block” singer soaking up the sun and sporting a black bikini while chilling in a hammock:
(Image credit: Instagram)
Jennifer Lopez radiated with beauty while in the hot summer sun. The “Get Right” singer already proved she was summer goals this year with her bikini photo dump, which showcased her sculpted physique. In 2024, she also proved to be ageless when she promoted her new single “Can’t Get Enough” with a video of her wearing a whole lotta bikinis. Clearly, JLo is embracing the summer season with poise, power and unapologetic style, regardless of her age.
It’s just wonderful to see celebrities like Padma Lakshmi and Jennifer Lopez embracing their figures as they continue to age gracefully. They’re rewriting the rules about aging by driving home the point that beauty comes with no expiration date. Women can shine at any age, and it’s a powerful message that I love to see exuded through bikini pictures and by other means.
As Superman continues to soar at the box office, more and more people are falling in love with Clark Kent’s friend, fantastic Daily Planet reporter and rizz god Jimmy Olsen, and it’s hilarious. That’s in part because the film makes Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy a reluctant ladies’ man. However, it’s also because all this laughing and love from fans is unsurprising to me, someone who has felt this way about the actor who plays him for a long time.
Jimmy Olsen Has Undeniable Rizz, And The Internet’s Reaction To Him Being A Ladies’ Man Makes Me Laugh
Ever since Skyler Gisondo was cast as Jimmy Olsen, I was looking forward to seeing him in Superman, and I wasn’t surprised when he stole some of the scenes he was in. However, the internet seemed a bit taken aback, in the best way, by Jimmy’s charisma and how easily he charmed the ladies, which led to hilarious viral posts like this one from @zoerosebryant:
reluctant rizz god jimmy olsen has gotta be one of gunn’s best bits ever
Eve being obsessed with him was truly a highlight of the film.
@spunchbawbII on X:
can’t believe jimmy olsen getting bitches was a crucial part of the movie
It was unexpected, but also made total sense, because how could you resist this guy? He’s just a nice dude with unfathomable charm. Therefore, many fans, like @newromantics02, who is quoted below, couldn’t help but think:
unfortunately i am these girls whenever i see jimmy olsen onscreen in superman
All of this is hilarious no matter who you are, I’d assume. However, what makes this all even funnier is how unsurprising it is to me, a longtime Skyler Gisondo fan.
As A Longtime Skyler Gisondo Fan, None Of This Suprises Me At All
What cracks me up even more about the internet fawning over Jimmy Olsen is the fact that I’ve been essentially doing this for a very long time. Years before Superman’s release on the 2025 movie schedule, I became aware of Gisondo’s rizz, for lack of a better term, and anytime I see him on screen, I fall in love.
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This happened for the first time with the 2019 movie Booksmart (you can stream it now with an Amazon Prime subscription), which was also the first project I consciously saw Gisondo in – I had also seen him in Psych and Once Upon a Time, but he had smaller roles and I didn’t remember him. However, when I saw Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, I was floored by his unforgettable character, Jared.
(Image credit: United Artists Releasing)
Jared has no right to be a rizz god, but he is. He’s a confident, corny and hilarious dude who throws wild parties for himself and wears T-shirts that have pictures of himself wearing a T-shirt with himself on it (I know that’s confusing, but you can see it in the image above). He also says things like “Jere-bear comin’ at you from all angles,” he refers to his car as the “S.S. Lit As Fuck,” and he loves airplanes and musicals. He’s ridiculous; however, he’s so authentically himself and cares so much for his friends that I couldn’t help but fall in love.
The guy is just so cute and irresistible, and the same is true for Jimmy Olsen. Gisondo plays both so genuinely, and both characters are confident in their own totally unique way. It’s why I’ve been such a fan for so long, and I think it’s why the ladies love this Superman character.
So, no, I’m not shocked by the love for Jimmy at all, and I’m so happy that the actor who plays him is getting the adoration he deserves.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial may be over, but he still remains behind bars in the aftermath. At present, the 55-year-old rapper is at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he’s awaiting his sentencing. Much has been said about Combs’ time behind bars, specifically in regard to the alleged conditions he’s experienced since then. More concrete details have been provided by Diddy’s legal team. Now, his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo is opening up about one of the “horrible things” his client has had to deal with in the penitentiary.
Marc Agnifilo has been speaking out on behalf of his client quite frequently as of late. At present, the lawyer – who has represented several high-profile clients in recent years – is arguing for Diddy to be released on bail. During an interview with Variety, Agnifilo laid out where things stand in regard to the former Sean John figurehead’s legal situation. The topic of Diddy’s prison stint also came up, leading Agnifilo to reveal that his client really misses going outside:
One of the horrible things about the MDC [Metropolitan Detention Center, where Combs is held in Brooklyn] is not going outside ever. He hasn’t been outside since September. He hasn’t had sun on his skin. It’s sort of like sensory deprivation. The light’s always the same, it’s artificial light, there’s no breeze, there’s no wind, there’s very little change in temperature. So, he wants to get out and be with his family.
sharing Father’s Day messages and addressing the rumors swirling around Sean. Despite the kids’ attempts to remain connected with him, Sean is reportedly having a tough time being away from them. Marc Agniflo made that claim while discussing just how often he personally sees his client:
Diddy received a mixed verdict in late July, which saw him acquitted of sex-trafficking and racketeering (RICO) charges. He was, however, convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Shortly after the verdict was delivered, Diddy’s legal team tried to make a bid for a $1 million bail package. While that was unsuccessful, his attorneys are trying to make an appeal for a package worth $50 million. That proposed deal would allow the music mogul to stay in his Miami-based mansion (with limited activity within the outside world) ahead of his sentencing.
In prison, Sean Combs has faced a new reality, one that sees him in proximity to suspected murderer Luigi Mangione and other inmates. Combs doesn’t have access to certain amenities that he’s accustomed to like limitless wi-fi or hair dye (which is why his hair is now graying). Nevertheless, Marc Agnifilo suggests that Combs is still confident that he’ll be back on the outside at some point, and the attorney also shed light on his client’s current mindset in that regard:
His view is: ‘Have I lived up to the blessings I’ve been given?’ And I think his conclusion is: ‘Not in every aspect of my life have I lived up to those blessings.’ What he wants to do when he gets out is to start small. He wants to spend time with his children and get reacquainted with his own life.
There’s also been the question as to whether Diddy might receive a pardon after his sentencing. U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of pardoning him and, as of this writing, he doesn’t seem keen on doing so due to comments the rapper previously made about him. For now, Diddy’s sentencing is set for October 3 and, unless something changes, he’ll continue to remain on the inside in the lead-up to the court date.
The next big MCU team-up is set to be The Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday. And, though the upcoming Marvel movie is currently deep in production, thanks to a fun video posted to his social media, we know the star playing the film’s big bad, returning MCU star Robert Downey Jr, is in full vacation mode. I’m loving the behind-the-scenes look at the A-lister’s good time. In addition to that, though, I have to admit, I love the Iron Man details fans spotted just a bit more.
Robert Downey Jr. just posted a fun video on his Instagram of him taking a morning walk on the beach. The entire clip is set to his son, Indio Downey’s, song, “Change of Scenery.” The caption from the Tony Stark actor reads, “What’s your summer #changeofscenery? Me = early morning beach walk. You = ???” Check out the full video below:
@Drdoomarchive, took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out some interesting jewelry the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang actor was sporting in the video. The fan account posted: “the ring being the ARC REACTOR. also what is that pendant?” Why, it would appear so, and I love that sweet accessory.
sticking around for the long haul as Doom):
@aliciapino: “And beard too”
@catherinespaws: “It looks like either a skull or an iron man helmet”
@mufcbecks7: “Tony stark lives forever”
@Zeynubella1: “I think Iron Man helmet”
It may seem like a logical leap to some, especially considering the video in question is merely of the Oppenheimer star walking on the beach, which has sparked a ton of fan theories. However, can you really blame them? He’s rocking a full-on fire engine red (Iron Man’s fav)coloredoutfit and has Stark’s classic goatee.
Some folks in the comments rightfully pointed out that the goatee is a pretty typical look for the Hollywood A-lister. Plus, he’s sporting what appears to be an Iron Man helmet necklace and that aforementioned arc reactor ring. That’s quite a throwback to his iconic role, especially since we know he’s making a big return to the MCU as Victor Von Doom. But who knows? The wild theory would be that he’s hinting at a multiverse version of Tony Stark!
Of course, it’s hard to say if RDJ is actually dropping real-life easter eggs to get fans’ hearts racing because there really is a connection between his beloved Tony Stark and his upcoming turn as a villain. It’s also totally possible that he’s sporting some fun Iron Man merch just for the heck of it. We’ll have to wait until the upcoming superhero movie hits theaters as part of the 2026 movie release schedule.
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Robert Downey Jr returns to the MCU via Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to release on December 18, 2026. Before its release, consider watching all the Marvel movies in order with a Disney+ subscription.
