Nobody 2 Opens to Strong Reviews, but Modest Box Office

Nobody 2 arrived in theaters with a confident push for a summer return to action, buoyed by strong early reviews and a notable directorial debut in Hollywood for Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto. Initial critical reception placed the film at an 83 percent Tomatometer from 45 critics, signaling a favorable response to the sequel’s blend of humor, gunplay and fast-paced set pieces. The movie opened in roughly 3,200 North American theaters, with early projections suggesting a 10–12 million domestic bow, though early tallies pointed to a final opening closer to 9.4 million. The three-day take positioned the film in third place behind a continuing horror hit and a family-friendly comedy, underscoring the challenges of standing out in a crowded summer slate.

Nobody 2 revisits Hutch Mansell, the seemingly ordinary suburban dad who leads a double life as a mercenary. The sequel follows Hutch and his family as they attempt a vacation in a resort town, only to become entangled in a criminal network led by Sharon Stone’s mob boss. The film remains modestly budgeted at about 25 million, a step up from the 16 million price tag of the first film, and Universal Pictures’ strategy leans on...