Prepare yourself for a chilling experience! The highly anticipated horror film, Weapons, from writer and director Zach Cregger, is finally making its way to HBO Max next week. Get ready to stream it starting October 24th, or catch it on HBO linear on October 25th at 8 PM ET.
What's fascinating is how quickly this movie is moving from theaters to streaming. That's just a 77-day theatrical window before it hits HBO Max. Is this the new normal for movie releases? It certainly sparks a debate about the future of cinema and how we consume entertainment.
Weapons, produced on a relatively modest budget of $38 million, has been a box office smash. Despite the horror genre often receiving lukewarm reviews, Weapons earned a rare 'A-' rating! It premiered in early August (shifted from its original MLK 2026 release date), raking in a stunning $43.5 million during its opening weekend. Ultimately, it grossed over $151.4 million domestically and over $266 million worldwide – a testament to its gripping storyline and Cregger's masterful direction.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some critics argue that the film's success is due to clever marketing rather than genuine horror. What do you think? Did the hype live up to the actual movie?
The plot centers around a terrifying mystery: in a single night, at precisely 2:17 a.m., all but one child vanish from a schoolroom. The event throws the entire community into turmoil, desperately searching for answers and questioning what sinister force could be behind the disappearances. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan.
And this is the part most people miss... Cregger's creative process is just as interesting as the movie itself. He penned the screenplay in his garage, battling the constant hum of a noisy refrigerator. Talk about dedication! The film was produced by Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz, and Raphael Margules, with Michelle Morrissey and Josh Brolin serving as executive producers.
Before landing on HBO Max, Weapons had a staggered release. It became available for digital purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, and Fandango at Home on September 9th, a mere 32 days after its theatrical debut. A 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD release followed on October 14th, marking a 67-day theatrical window. This multi-platform strategy clearly contributed to the film's widespread success.
Looking ahead, Cregger is set to direct Sony's reboot of Resident Evil, featuring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Kali Reis, Zach Cherry, and Johnno Wilson. The film is currently scheduled for release on September 18, 2026.
The success of Weapons has also opened new doors for its producers. Raphael Margules and J.D. Lifshitz, the masterminds behind BoulderLight Pictures (Weapons), have partnered with Paramount to create a brand-new genre label, promising even more thrilling and terrifying stories to come. What kind of horror movies do you hope they produce?
So, are you excited to watch Weapons on HBO Max? Do you think it deserves all the praise it's been getting? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
