Posted on: October 6th, 2025

It’s always a risk crafting a trilogy of films at once, as one can never be sure how the first will go over upon release.
Unfortunately, despite the warning signs, and much trepidation from series fans, it seems Lionsgate have learned this lesson the hard way.

Sadly, Renny Harlin’s The Strangers – Chapter 2 was dead on arrival at the box-office following its September 26th debut.

Initially projected to gross $8-10 million during its domestic debut, Chapter 2 failed to even meet the lower end of that estimate.

The sequel would manage a disappointing $5.8 million, far below projections, and finishing in fifth place. Chapter 2 ultimately found itself being out-performed by The Conjuring: Last Rites, a film in its fourth weekend of release.

Most have contributed Chapter 2’s disappointing debut to the lukewarm reception of Chapter 1. Despite Lionsgate’s faith in The Strangers brand, fans were less-than-pleased with Renny Harlin’s first outing for the titular trio.

Despite efforts to tinker with the second chapter following the middling response, it all seems to have been in vain.

Despite having a production budget of just $8 million, it seems unlikely Chapter 2 will turn a profit. Even the modest $40 million gross of Chapter 1 seems like a pipe dream for this critically shredded sequel.

This does leave one vital question; what about Chapter 3? Well, given the failure of the sequel, it’s looking less likely that The Strangers – Chapter 3 will debut theatrically at all. Will Lionsgate be forced to admit defeat and send it to streaming?

We’ll keep an eye on developments and let you know.