‘Scream 7’ Slashes Its Way to No. 1 at U.K., Ireland Box Office

Variety

by Naman Ramachandran

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Paramount’s *Scream 7* made a strong debut at the U.K. and Ireland box office, topping the charts with £3.8 million ($5.1 million) in its opening weekend. This horror film, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, not only marked a successful start for Paramount but also showcased the continued appeal of the *Scream* franchise after nearly two decades. Its dominance highlights the enduring popularity of horror movies in the region. In second place, Warner Bros.’ *Wuthering Heights* added $3 million, bringing its total to $27.7 million over three weekends. Universal’s music event film *EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert* debuted in third with $2.6 million, while *GOAT* ranked fourth with $1.2 million, pushing its cumulative earnings to $16.1 million. Sony Pictures’ titles *Crime 101* and *The Secret Agent* also made an impact, grossing $560,000 and $246,000 respectively. Meanwhile, Disney’s long-running *Zootopia 2* continued its extended theatrical life, earning $244,000 to reach a cumulative $49 million. Event cinema remained prominent, with National Theatre’s *Audience – NT Live 2026* and Royal Opera House productions like *Giselle* and *Othello* attracting audiences. Additionally, Netflix’s *Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man*, Disney’s family film *Hoppers*, and Vertigo Releasing’s horror title *Dolly* catered to diverse audiences. The weekend also saw the launch of *The Bride!* and *Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle*, extending the popularity of these franchise films. These releases underscore the dynamic nature of the box office, where both established franchises and fresh titles find success. The strong performance of *Scream 7* and other films highlights the ongoing demand for varied entertainment options in theaters, making this an exciting time for moviegoers. This weekend’s box office results matter to readers interested in entertainment trends, as they reflect the resilience of theatrical releases despite increasing competition from streaming platforms. The presence of long-running films like *Zootopia 2* and franchise sequels demonstrates the enduring appeal of cinema, while event cinema and limited-release titles cater to niche audiences. As studios continue to innovate and release diverse content, the box office remains a key indicator of shifting audience preferences and industry strategies.

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Originally published on Variety on 3/3/2026