Ouija: Origin of Evil, the follow-up to 2014’s low-budget horror hit “Ouija,” picked up $14.1 million, a respectable return given its $9 million budget.
Universal distributed the Blumhouse production, which got markedly better reviews than the original, but couldn’t translate the critical notices into a bigger opening than its predecessor. The first film in the series kicked off to $19.9 million before going on to make $103.6 million globally. Platinum Dunes and Hasbro produced the board game adaptation.
“Origin of Evil” is set in the 1960s and centers on a scam artist who unwittingly invites evil spirits into her home. The film’s PG-13 rating meant its audience skewed younger, with 57% of ticket-buyers clocking in under the age of 25. Universal believes the film will benefit from the holiday next week.
“Based on the fact that we’re the only wide release horror film on Halloween, we’re expecting to hold well,” said Nick Carpou, Universal’s domestic distribution chief.
