Summary
Abigailhad a disappointing run in theaters, butI’m still hopeful Melissa Barrera’s new horror movie will become herScreamreplacement franchise.Abigaildebuted in theaters in April 2024, following a group of kidnappers as they discover that the girl they’re holding for ransom is actually a vampire. Despite its clever premise and solid marketing,Abigail’s box office wasn’t all that impressive. Its openingcontinued a disappointing horror movie trendfor 2024, with the film grossing around $10 million domestically and $15.2 million globally during its first weekend in theaters.
Abigail’s box office eventually hit $42 million overall (viaBox Office Mojo), surpassing its reported budget of $28 million (viaVariety). But even if it wasn’t a total flop, it didn’t live up to expectations — and there are understandable concerns that it might not get a sequel.I’m not countingAbigailout, though, especially given its positive reception from critics and audiences alike (viaRotten Tomatoes). I’m still holding out hope that it will become Barrera’s new horror franchise, especially afterthe star’s controversialScream 7firing.
Melissa Barrera Is Right About Sam Carpenter’s Scream 6 Ending
Although she won’t return in Scream 7, Melissa Barrera is satisfied with the ending Sam Carpenter got in Scream 6, and she’s right about it.
Abigail Needs To Become A Streaming Success After Disappointing Box Office Run
Melissa Barrera’s New Horror Movie Is Streaming On Peacock
After its disappointing box office run, the prospect ofAbigail 2has gotten cautious reponsesfrom the cast and crew. There may still be hope, however, asAbigailis now streaming on Peacock and available to renton platforms like Amazon and Apple TV+. AsAbigailis one of 2024’s best horror movies, its move to streaming is bound to win it new viewers. It wouldn’t be the first movie to under-perform in theaters, then go on to see streaming success.
Its digital debut could be the last chance forAbigailto find a big audience and become popular, and I’d like to see both of those things happen.
AndAbigailreally needs to become a streaming hit, as it deserves more attention than it received in theaters. Its digital debut could be the last chance forAbigailto find a big audience and become popular, and I’d like to see both of those things happen. After all, it’s a solid and unique horror movie, and the cast and crew should finally get their flowers for it. Additionally,Abigailbeing successful on streaming could increase the demand for a sequel.
Abigail’s Success On Streaming Could Help A Sequel Happen
It Could Help Universal See The Value Of A Franchise
AlthoughAbigail’sendingmakes a follow-up possible, I’m not sure how likely it is based on the horror movie’s box office numbers alone. IfAbigailbecomes a streaming success, however, the odds could tilt in a sequel’s favor. Depending on viewership numbers,interest inAbigailcould help Universal see the value of another movie— and perhaps a larger franchise. Box office performance is so hit or miss post-2020 that it can’t be the only indicator of whether a film is worthwhile. And ifAbigailbuilds a larger audience on streaming, a sequel could do better than the first film.
Studios green-light sequels based on demand, which a successful run could create forAbigail.Since the movie made back its budget, another one doesn’t seem totally out of the question. ButUniversal Pictures will likely need to see evidence that a franchise could grow.Abigail’s streaming debut could provide that, assuming it does well enough on Peacock and other platforms to stir up excitement about its future.
It Has All The Ingredients To Expand Its Story
I hopeAbigailsees enough streaming success to encourage a sequel, asI’d like to see Barrera lead a horror franchise— and unfortunately, that’s no longer possible withScream.The abrupt end to her role as Sam Carpenter raises questions about what she’ll do next.Screamproved she excelled as the head of a horror franchise, andAbigailcould open the door for her to capitalize on those talents once more.Abigailsequels could give Barrera’s new character a more satisfying ending than herScreamrole, and that’s not the only reason they should happen.
Screamproved she excelled as the head of a horror franchise, andAbigailcould open the door for her to capitalize on those talents once more.
Even setting aside Barrera’s role,Abigailhas great franchise potential. It’s entertaining, benefits from talented lead actors, and offers interesting enough vampire lore to expand its story. I’m hoping it gets the chance to, as exciting new horror franchises are always a welcome development. AndAbigailhas all the ingredients to become one; it just needs to prove itself on streaming. Now that the movie is on Peacock and available to rent on other platforms, it certainly has a larger reach. Only time will tell if it benefits from that — and if it’s enough to sway Universal Pictures.
Abigail
Cast
Abigail is a 2024 horror thriller directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The plot follows a group of people who kidnap the daughter of a dangerous crime lord only to discover that the little girl is actually a vicious vampire out for blood. Alisha Weir stars as the titular character alongside Kathryn Newton, Melissa Barrera, and Dan Stevens.
