The horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” has made a significant impact at the North American box office, earning an impressive $63 million during its opening weekend. This figure not only exceeds industry expectations but also sets a record as the largest opening for a film over the Thanksgiving weekend and the highest for a PG-13 movie in 2025.
Following “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” the animated feature “Zootopia 2” secured second place with $43 million in ticket sales. The musical “Wicked: For Good” rounded out the top three, while “Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution” and “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” completed the top five rankings. With just weeks remaining in the year, the domestic box office has surpassed $8 billion, marking a significant milestone for the industry.
Entertainment Events and Honors
In other entertainment news, President Donald Trump hosted the annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., recognizing notable figures such as actor Sylvester Stallone and musicians Gloria Gaynor and Kiss. This year marks a presidential first, with Trump taking a hands-on role in the event. The honorees were celebrated for their profound impact on American culture and the arts, making the evening particularly poignant for the band Kiss, following the recent passing of their original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley.
In Puerto Rico, the music community mourns the loss of Rafael Ithier, the founder of the legendary salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, who passed away at the age of 99. Ithier was a self-taught musician known for his contributions to salsa music, inspiring generations of artists, including contemporary stars like Bad Bunny.
Nobel Prize Events and Artistic Celebrations
The literary world also celebrated as Hungarian author and Nobel Prize for Literature 2025 recipient László Krasznahorkai delivered a rare public lecture in Stockholm. During the event, part of Nobel week, Krasznahorkai discussed themes such as angels and human dignity. His work has been recognized for its surreal and anarchic qualities, with the Nobel committee highlighting its absurdism.
In Milan, the Teatro alla Scala hosted the premiere of Dmitry Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,” receiving a remarkable 12-minute standing ovation from the audience. This performance marks the second time the theater has opened its season with a Russian production since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. U.S. soprano Sara Jakubiak received particular acclaim for her performance.
In a concerning development, American playwright Jeremy O. Harris, known for his Tony-nominated work “Slave Play,” was arrested in Japan on suspicion of ecstasy smuggling. Harris was detained at Naha Airport, with authorities indicating that the 0.0275 ounces of MDMA found in his possession appears to be for personal use. His representatives have yet to comment on the situation.
Amidst these events, Vanity Fair announced it would part ways with West Coast editor Olivia Nuzzi following controversy over her relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nuzzi’s connection to Kennedy, who currently leads the Department of Health and Human Resources, raised significant ethical questions after it was revealed she had not disclosed their personal relationship in her reporting.
Finally, Netflix’s recent acquisition of Warner Bros. has the potential to reshape the entertainment landscape. As one of Hollywood’s oldest studios, Warner Bros. plays a crucial role in theatrical releases, currently holding three of the top five earning films domestically. There are concerns regarding how Netflix’s ownership might alter the future of theatrical releases, particularly with potential antitrust scrutiny and the implications for filmmakers and movie theaters.
These developments showcase a vibrant and evolving entertainment scene, with both triumphs and challenges shaping the industry as the year draws to a close.
