I’m Still Hopeful That Melissa Barrera’s New Horror Movie Will Be Her Scream Franchise Replacement

Abigail had a disappointing run in theaters, but I’m still hopeful Melissa Barrera’s new horror movie will become her Scream replacement franchise. Abigail debuted in theaters in April 2024, following a group of kidnappers as they discover that the girl they’re holding for ransom is actually a vampire. Despite its clever premise and solid marketing, Abigail‘s box office wasn’t all that impressive. Its opening continued a disappointing horror movie trend for 2024, with the film grossing around $10 million domestically and $15.2 million globally during its first weekend in theaters.

Abigail‘s box office eventually hit $42 million overall (via Box Office Mojo), surpassing its reported budget of $28 million (via Variety). But even if it wasn’t a total flop, it didn’t live up to expectations — and there are understandable concerns that it might not get a sequel. I’m not counting Abigail out, though, especially given its positive reception from critics and audiences alike (via Rotten Tomatoes). I’m still holding out hope that it will become Barrera’s new horror franchise, especially after the star’s controversial Scream 7 firing.

Abigail Needs To Become A Streaming Success After Disappointing Box Office Run

Melissa Barrera’s New Horror Movie Is Streaming On Peacock

After its disappointing box office run, the prospect of Abigail 2 has gotten cautious reponses from the cast and crew. There may still be hope, however, as Abigail is now streaming on Peacock and available to rent on platforms like Amazon and Apple TV+. As Abigail is one of 2024’s best horror movies, its move to streaming is bound to win it new viewers. It wouldn’t be the first movie to under-perform in theaters, then go on to see streaming success.

And Abigail really needs to become a streaming hit, as it deserves more attention than it received in theaters. Its digital debut could be the last chance for Abigail to find a big audience and become popular, and I’d like to see both of those things happen. After all, it’s a solid and unique horror movie, and the cast and crew should finally get their flowers for it. Additionally, Abigail being successful on streaming could increase the demand for a sequel.

Abigail’s Success On Streaming Could Help A Sequel Happen

It Could Help Universal See The Value Of A Franchise

Although Abigail’s ending makes a follow-up possible, I’m not sure how likely it is based on the horror movie’s box office numbers alone. If Abigail becomes a streaming success, however, the odds could tilt in a sequel’s favor. Depending on viewership numbers, interest in Abigail could help Universal see the value of another movie — and perhaps a larger franchise. Box office performance is so hit or miss post-2020 that it can’t be the only indicator of whether a film is worthwhile. And if Abigail builds a larger audience on streaming, a sequel could do better than the first film.

Studios green-light sequels based on demand, which a successful run could create for Abigail. Since the movie made back its budget, another one doesn’t seem totally out of the question. But Universal Pictures will likely need to see evidence that a franchise could grow. Abigail‘s streaming debut could provide that, assuming it does well enough on Peacock and other platforms to stir up excitement about its future.

Abigail Can Be The Horror Franchise Melissa Barrera Had With Scream

It Has All The Ingredients To Expand Its Story

I hope Abigail sees enough streaming success to encourage a sequel, as I’d like to see Barrera lead a horror franchise — and unfortunately, that’s no longer possible with Scream. The abrupt end to her role as Sam Carpenter raises questions about what she’ll do next. Scream proved she excelled as the head of a horror franchise, and Abigail could open the door for her to capitalize on those talents once more. Abigail sequels could give Barrera’s new character a more satisfying ending than her Scream role, and that’s not the only reason they should happen.

Even setting aside Barrera’s role, Abigail has great franchise potential. It’s entertaining, benefits from talented lead actors, and offers interesting enough vampire lore to expand its story. I’m hoping it gets the chance to, as exciting new horror franchises are always a welcome development. And Abigail has all the ingredients to become one; it just needs to prove itself on streaming. Now that the movie is on Peacock and available to rent on other platforms, it certainly has a larger reach. Only time will tell if it benefits from that — and if it’s enough to sway Universal Pictures.

Source: Box Office Mojo, Variety, Rotten Tomatoes

Abigail (2024)

Abigail is a 2024 horror thriller directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The plot follows a group of people who kidnap the daughter of a dangerous crime lord only to discover that the little girl is actually a vicious vampire out for blood. Alisha Weir stars as the titular character alongside Kathryn Newton, Melissa Barrera, and Dan Stevens.

Director

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin , Tyler Gillett

Release Date

April 19, 2024

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

Writers

Stephen Shields , Guy Busick

Cast

Kathryn Newton , Dan Stevens , Giancarlo Esposito , Kevin Durand , Melissa Barrera , Alisha Weir , Angus Cloud , William Catlett

Runtime

109 Minutes

Expand