“Horror Hits Box Office: ‘Black Phone 2’ Debuts at No. 1”

The horror sequel, ‘Black Phone 2’, has claimed the top spot at the North American box office, amassing an estimated $26.5 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. Released by Universal Pictures, the film features performances by Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames, and opened in 3,411 theaters across the country. This success comes four years after the original film became a surprise hit, marking a significant win for Blumhouse Productions following a series of less successful releases this year, including ‘M3GAN 2.0’.

The overall box office has shown a modest increase of approximately 4% compared to the same time last year, despite a slower October. ‘Black Phone 2’ also garnered $15.5 million in international markets, pushing its global total to $42 million against a production budget of $30 million.

Sports Highlights: NFL and More

In London, rookie Travis Hunter scored his first NFL touchdown, catching a 34-yard pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Wembley Stadium. This moment capped off a challenging game for Hunter, who had previously recorded 20 receptions for 197 yards before finally finding the end zone, making the score 28-7 in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, in the NHL, legendary player Jaromir Jagr has begun his 38th professional season at the age of 53. Jagr played for the Kladno Knights in a match against Vitkovice, contributing to a 3-1 victory. He logged just over 10 minutes of ice time, including a stint on the power play, despite a delayed debut due to a muscle issue.

Entertainment News: Tributes and Innovations

In entertainment, Jason Momoa prepared for his role in the Apple TV series ‘Chief of War’ by working closely with a personal language coach for nearly a year. This series, which premiered in August, is noted for being the first major television production to highlight Hawaiian language and culture. Though Momoa is of Native Hawaiian descent, he did not speak the language fluently growing up. Experts have praised the series for contributing to the revival of the language, although the use of Hawaiian diminishes as the series progresses.

In a somber update, Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of the iconic band Kiss, has passed away at the age of 74. Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. His family expressed their devastation, highlighting the joy he brought with his laughter and kindness. Known for his theatrical performances, Frehley contributed to the band’s enduring legacy, which includes hits like ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’.

In tech news, Meta has introduced new parental controls for interactions between children and its AI chatbots. Parents now have the option to disable one-on-one chats with AI characters while retaining access to the Meta AI assistant, which will feature age-appropriate protections.

In another notable event, the Orionid meteor shower is set to peak this week, coinciding with a new moon. This rare occurrence offers a chance to view shooting stars without moonlight interference, with experts predicting up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions. The meteor shower, which runs until early November, originates from debris left by Halley’s Comet.

Lastly, a surge of fans has flocked to the Hessische Landesmuseum in Germany, drawn by a painting that echoes the visuals of Taylor Swift’s hit video, ‘The Fate of Ophelia’. The museum has reported an unexpected influx of visitors, leading to plans for a special tour to accommodate the fans.

This diverse array of stories highlights the intersection of culture, sports, and entertainment in a vibrant global landscape.