In this distinctly old-school episode of The Box Office Podcast, former co-host turned semi-regular special guest Ryan Scott returned to discuss the blow-out success of Zach Cregger’s Weapons.

Scott Mendelson noted that it’s another example of WB’s marketing might in terms of turning less-conventional programmers into genuine smash hits. At the same time, Lisa Laman stressed that it’s another key example of why it’s still worth it for Hollywood to roll the dice on original or less pre-sold theatrical films. Meanwhile, Jeremy Fuster noted the skillful marketing campaign that, unlike the overly cryptic promotion for BoulderLight’s earlier (and also quite good) Companion, used the film’s compelling high concept hook to hide most of the surprises without leaving audiences totally in the dark. Ryan Scott discussed the unique circumstances concerning how and when Cregger’s Barbarians debuted theatrically, and why it turned what could have been a barely remembered cult horror gem into a mainstream calling card.

Miracle of miracles, all of us had positive things to say about Disney, noting yet another “initially Disney+ movie-turned-theatrical-success.” Yes, Freakier Friday was a bit frontloaded. Yes, it’s another example of “kids’ films aimed at nostalgic adults.” However, it scored the biggest opening for “just a comedy” since Girls Trip in 2017, as Disney A) leads the industry in terms of long theatrical exclusivity windows and B) consistently trades intangible streaming buzz for cash-in-hand revenue. Granted, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is still in deep s**t, as Ryan expressed shock at the swift decline of the pretty good Fantastic Four reboot. But if Disney can get back to making money on “just a movie” programmers, then the ebbs and flows of the MCU will be of less zero-sum consequence.

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