Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is set to hit theaters in less than a month, with high expectations for its box office performance. The latest installment in the Ghostbusters franchise is projected to compete with the opening weekend numbers of its predecessor, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which debuted domestically in 2021.
According to Boxoffice Pro's forecast, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is expected to make between $35 million and $49 million during its opening weekend, with a total box office potential ranging from $96 million to $144 million. To surpass Afterlife's $44 million opening, Frozen Empire will need to aim towards the higher end of these projections.
Despite the potential challenges, the return of original Ghostbusters cast members Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson is generating excitement among fans. Hudson, who plays Winston Zeddemore, hinted at his character's storyline in the new film, revealing that Winston is now a wealthy benefactor funding ghostbusting research.
While a strong opening weekend is crucial, it does not always guarantee long-term success for a film. The 2016 female-led Ghostbusters remake currently holds the record for the best opening in the franchise with $46 million, followed by Afterlife with $44 million. However, the original Ghostbusters film from 1984 had a modest opening of $13.6 million but went on to become a beloved classic, grossing $229.2 million domestically.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is poised to make its mark when it opens on March 22, with the anticipation of a successful theatrical run. The inclusion of the original Ghostbusters characters and the return of fan-favorite Ray Stantz, played by Dan Aykroyd, are expected to further boost the film's box office prospects.
Fans can look forward to the chilling sequel as it continues the Ghostbusters legacy, with a mix of nostalgia and new adventures awaiting them in theaters.
