“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Breaks Box Office Records in North America”

The horror video game adaptation, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, has made a significant impact at the North American box office, raking in $63 million during its opening weekend. This impressive figure not only exceeds industry expectations but also establishes a new record for the highest opening weekend following Thanksgiving. It stands as the largest debut for a PG-13 film in 2025, showcasing the film’s strong draw despite mixed reviews.

Following closely behind, Zootopia 2 secured the second position with earnings of $43 million, while Wicked: For Good took third place. The top five also included Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. With only a few weeks left in the year, the domestic box office has now surpassed $8 billion, indicating a strong recovery for the film industry.

In the world of entertainment, the Kennedy Center Honors gala took place, celebrating notable figures such as Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor. President Donald Trump hosted the event, marking a historic first for a sitting president. The honorees were recognized for their significant contributions to American culture and the arts. Emotional tributes were expected, particularly for the members of Kiss, following the recent passing of their original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley.

In other news, the world of music mourns the loss of Rafael Ithier, the founding member of the iconic salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Ithier passed away at the age of 99. He was a self-taught musician who significantly influenced the salsa genre and inspired many modern artists, including Bad Bunny. His legacy is marked by an extensive career that spanned over half a century.

In Stockholm, Hungarian author and Nobel Prize for Literature winner László Krasznahorkai delivered a rare public lecture. Speaking during the Nobel week, he discussed themes such as angels, human dignity, and rebellion, captivating audiences with his unique perspective. The Nobel Prize ceremony is scheduled for December 10, commemorating Alfred Nobel’s death anniversary.

The arts scene continues to thrive as Milan’s Teatro alla Scala premiered Dmitry Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,” receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience with a standing ovation lasting twelve minutes. This marks the second occasion since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that the historic theater has showcased a Russian melodrama.

In a more personal spotlight, singer Darlene Love reflected on her enduring holiday classic, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” which has become synonymous with the festive season since its release in 1963. Love’s relationship with the song highlights its universal appeal and her remarkable career, which began with Phil Spector in 1962.

Lastly, American playwright Jeremy O. Harris, known for his acclaimed work “Slave Play,” was arrested in Japan on November 16. Authorities apprehended him at Naha Airport in Okinawa on suspicion of smuggling ecstasy. The amount of 0.0275 ounces of MDMA found in his possession is believed to be for personal use. Harris’ representatives have yet to release a statement regarding the incident.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, Netflix’s recent acquisition of Warner Bros. has raised questions regarding its impact on the film industry. This merger could alter the dynamics of theatrical releases, including potential adjustments to exclusive release windows. The future of cinema remains uncertain as industry stakeholders assess the implications of this significant deal.