Despite facing challenges at the box office, ‘The First Omen’ has achieved a significant milestone in its global run. The horror film, which marks the sixth instalment in the long-running series, surpassed $50 million worldwide this weekend as it approaches the end of its theatrical run in the United States. Originally conceived as a streaming project, positive internal feedback prompted Disney-owned 20th Century Studios to opt for a theatrical release, although the results have been mixed.
Box Office Performance and Budget
‘The First Omen’ has garnered close to $19 million domestically and an additional $31 million from international markets, bringing its total global earnings to over $50 million. Despite a budget of $30 million, which is comparable to recent horror franchise reboots, the film’s performance has fallen short of expectations.
Critical Reception
Despite its commercial performance, ‘The First Omen’ has been well-received critically, holding an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have praised its ability to unsettle audiences with haunting and memorable scenes that linger long after viewing.
Overseas Success vs. Domestic Performance
Interestingly, ‘The First Omen’ has fared better in international markets than in North America. This trend echoes recent underwhelming box office results for other horror films like ‘Imaginary’ and ‘Abigail.’ Despite featuring compelling premises and notable talent, these films have struggled to meet box office projections.
Comparisons to Legacy Franchise and Predecessors
The film is a prequel to Richard Donner’s classic 1976 horror film ‘The Omen.’ While it has achieved a milestone in its own right, ‘The First Omen’ has not matched the financial success of its 2006 reboot, which remains the highest-grossing instalment in the series.
