Could Companion become the first big box office horror film of 2025?

2025 is off to a slow start at the box office, but that’s true of most years. January isn’t exactly a special month; In fact, this is usually an opportunity for studios to get rid of films they don’t have much confidence in. We get occasional hits like Liam Neeson’s “Taken,” But these are exceptions, not the rule. As January gives way to February, we must look to greener pastures. Leading the way will be the new sci-fi horror film ‘Companion’, which looks to wrap up this year’s January release lineup on a high note.

“Companion,” directed by Drew Hancock, is looking to debut from Warner Bros. It is currently projected to open in the $10 million to $15 million range when it arrives next weekend, according to Box office theory. WB was frugal with this $10 million product. Even with a significant marketing spend, an opportunity at this scale would set up Companion for success out of the gate. The only major problem is that there will be a lot of competition for horror audiences: Steven Soderbergh’s The Presence is only a week into its release; “Heart Eyes” hits the slasher the following weekend; And “The Monkey” will be just around the corner as well.

Working for this film will have a positive impact. / The movie Chris Evangelista “Companion” was called “the first great movie of 2025” in a rating of 9 out of 10. He’s not alone, as it currently has an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If audiences agree, it should help give the film a chance after its opening weekend, which will help a lot in the face of stiff competition within the genre.

An opening in that $10-15 million range would put “Companion” in the same ballpark as last year’s remake of “Speak No Evil” ($11.4 million opening/$76.7 million worldwide). If things go really well, we could be looking at something closer to “Longlegs” ($22.4 million opening/$126.9 million worldwide). Even at a low level, we are looking for certain success.

While the studio is wisely keeping plot details secret to maintain a sense of mystery, “Companion” is being described as “a new kind of love story.” Overall, it focuses on a highly advanced robotic woman who causes chaos. Jack Quaid (The Boys) and Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) lead the cast.

Another thing WB is leaning into is that this product hails from the producers of Barbarian, specifically from that film’s director, Zach Krieger. WB and New Line were quick to sleep with Cregger after the 2022 horror film became an unexpected hit, Signing a deal with the director as well as obtaining the rights to his new film “Weapons”. Wisely, they use a similar playbook for this film as they did for “Barbarian,” with a penchant for the mystery surrounding everything.

Although horror has been a very reliable genre in the pandemic era, things have been a little off lately. Blumhouse’s “Wolf Man” recently disappointed with an opening of less than $11 million Despite expectations that it will open near $20 million. In this case, it was difficult to overcome reviews and word of mouth. These things happen. Fortunately, with the information we have, it appears that Hancock’s debut will avoid such an outcome.

“Companion” hits theaters on January 31, 2025.