After only being in theaters for two weeks,IThas already become the highest-grossing R-rated horror picture ever, as far as domestic ticket sales go. Let that sink in for a moment. The previous R-rated horror-movie record-holder? A little movie by the name ofThe Exorcist. The 1973 horror hit directed byWilliam Friedkinand written byWilliam Peter Blattywas an absolute cultural phenomenon at the time of its release. WhileThe Exorcistis an amazing film in its own right, positive buzz in a pre-internet world was buoyed by stories ofaudience members fainting, crying, and having intense emotional reactionsto the film’s more traumatizing moments. People needed to experience that for themselves rather than hear about it second-hand.
ITis a cultural force of a different color. It’s R-rated for good reason, but it’s nowhere near as button-pushy asThe Exorcistwas when it debuted and remains to this day. However,ITis an easier box-office boom because of its relatively less intense experience; it’s something audiences can revisit again and again for the thrills and chills without the uncomfortable existential conflict posed by a film likeThe Exorcist. In other words,ITis more marketable, though it’s 100% earned every penny it makes.
That’s a lot of pennies, by the way. Domestically, asVarietyreports, it stands at $236.3 million before heading into this weekend;The Exorcist’s domestic tally topped out at $232.9 million. Now, compared to 1973 dollars,The Exorcist’s take in the U.S. would be a whopping $983.2 million, ifBox Office Mojo’sadjustments are correct; that’s nuts.ITisn’t going to touch that. However, the worldwide total forThe Exorciststands at $441.3 million in its unadjusted state, a number that isn’t far ahead ofIT’s current tally of $404.3 million. Expect that record to fall soon, if not this weekend.
Box office competition in this frame includes the horror filmFriend Request, the action-heavy sequelKingsman: The Golden Circle, and the family-friendly animated flickThe LEGO Ninjago Movie. This weekend is the biggest test forITuntilBlade Runner 2049opens October 6th, but I expect big returns for theStephen Kingadaptation all the way through the Halloween holiday this season.
For more onIT, check out these recent write-ups:
