Summer Box Office Update: ‘Weapons’ Tops Charts as Season Comes to a Close

“Weapons” has made a triumphant return to the top spot as summer at the box office winds down. Zack Cregger’s horror film showed its resilience to become a late-summer sensation, earning $10.2 million in its fourth weekend in theaters. Last weekend, “Kpop Demon Hunters” gave Netflix its first box-office win, but “Weapons” managed to reclaim the lead.

Meanwhile, Universal’s 50th re-release of “Jaws” also made a splash by securing the second spot. The 1975 classic film by Steven Spielberg took a bite out of the box office, bringing in $8.1 million in 3,200 North American theaters. It’s a testament to the enduring relevance of “Jaws,” which still resonates with audiences today, 50 years after its original release.

Overall, this summer’s box office earnings are expected to reach $3.7 billion, just shy of last year’s total. While falling short of the pre-pandemic benchmark of $4 billion, the box office has seen its share of successes, with movies like “Thunderbolts” and “Lilo & Stitch” delivering strong showings earlier in the summer.

New releases like “Caught Stealing,” starring Austin Butler, debuted in third place with $7.8 million. Directed by Darren Aronofsky and set in 1998, the crime caper follows Butler as a New York City bartender who gets entangled in the city’s criminal underworld. “Freakier Friday” and “The Roses,” as well as “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” also made their mark at the box office.

While this summer’s box office may have had its share of highs and lows, the overall quality of movies and marketing efforts has been commendable. As the summer movie season approaches its end, the industry looks forward to more blockbuster hits and exciting releases in the coming months.