K-pop group "Demon Hunters" surges ahead in popularity

In an unexpected turn of events, the animated musical comedy "KPop Demon Hunters" has taken the North American box office by storm, surpassing the long-reigning champion "Vanished." According to projections from rival studios and cinema operators, the film earned an estimated $18 million in its event release this weekend.

Produced in the USA by Sony Pictures Animation and released through Netflix, "KPop Demon Hunters" tells the tale of a trio of young Korean pop stars who battle demons with catchy songs and synchronized choreography. The film, which has been the most-watched animated film in the history of the streaming platform since its release in June, has now proven its appeal extends beyond the confines of the small screen.

Meanwhile, "Vanished," the thriller directed by Zach Cregger and starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, has maintained its top spot at the box office for the past two weeks, grossing an estimated $15.6 million this weekend. The film, which tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of a group of students in the middle of the night, continues to intrigue audiences.

Elsewhere in the cinematic landscape, "KPop Demon Hunters" was not the only film to make waves. "Nobody 2" earned $3.7 million this weekend, while "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" starring Vanessa Kirby and Pedro Pascal brought in $5.9 million. The comedy "Freaky Friday," titled "Still Switching Places," revisited the Coleman family, portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, 20 years later, earning $9.2 million this weekend.

"Superman" and "Jurassic World: Renaissance" also graced the screens, earning $3.4 million and $2.1 million respectively. "There's Something About Mary" rounded off the list with $2.9 million this weekend.

Analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research observed that "this weekend, a streaming production designed to be watched at home has reached a level of popularity rarely achieved by big cinema successes." This suggests a shift in the entertainment industry, with streaming platforms increasingly influencing the box office.

As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to evolve and shape the world of cinema.