The horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has made a significant impact at the North American box office during its opening weekend, defying critical reviews. The film grossed an impressive $63 million in ticket sales, marking the largest opening ever for a weekend following Thanksgiving and the biggest debut for a PG-13 film in 2025. This achievement highlights the film’s broad appeal, drawing audiences despite mixed reviews.
In second place, the animated feature Zootopia 2 earned $43 million, while Wicked: For Good secured the third spot. The top five was rounded out by Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. As the year draws to a close, the domestic box office has exceeded $8 billion, reflecting a robust recovery for the film industry.
Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honors Gala
In political news, former President Donald Trump is hosting the annual Kennedy Center Honors gala in Washington, D.C., celebrating icons such as Sylvester Stallone, Kiss, and Gloria Gaynor. This event is notable as it marks a presidential first since Trump returned to office in January. He has made significant changes to the institution, including staff reorganization and assuming the role of chair.
The honorees are recognized for their substantial contributions to American culture and arts. The ceremony is expected to carry emotional weight, particularly for members of Kiss, following the recent passing of their original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley.
Remembering Musical Legends and Celebrating Literature
In other news, the music world mourns the loss of Rafael Ithier, a beloved figure in salsa music and founder of the iconic band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Ithier passed away at the age of 99. His family confirmed the news through an attorney, highlighting his influence on artists like Bad Bunny and his legacy as a self-taught musician.
Meanwhile, Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature 2025, delivered a rare lecture in Stockholm. This event took place during the Nobel week, where laureates engage with the public. Krasznahorkai discussed themes such as angels and human dignity, showcasing the surrealism that characterizes his writing.
In Milan, the Teatro alla Scala celebrated the season premiere of Dmitry Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, receiving a warm reception from the audience with a 12-minute standing ovation. This performance marks a significant cultural event, especially as it is one of the few Russian works presented since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Controversies in the Arts and Entertainment Sector
The entertainment industry also faced scrutiny as American playwright Jeremy O. Harris was arrested in Japan on suspicion of smuggling ecstasy. The incident occurred at Naha Airport on November 16, 2025, where authorities found 0.0275 ounces of MDMA in his possession. Harris had traveled from London via Taiwan and is believed to have had the drug for personal use. His representatives have yet to comment on the situation.
Additionally, Vanity Fair announced that West Coast editor Olivia Nuzzi will part ways with the magazine amid controversy surrounding her previous coverage of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. The decision comes after it was revealed that Nuzzi had a personal relationship with Kennedy, which she did not disclose while profiling him for the magazine.
In a notable shift in the entertainment landscape, Netflix has reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros., a move that could reshape the industry. As one of Hollywood’s oldest studios, Warner Bros. plays a crucial role in theatrical releases. While Netflix has stated its intention to support theatrical releases, there are concerns about potential changes to exclusive release windows and the broader impact on the film exhibition business.
This weekend’s events reflect the dynamic interplay of culture, politics, and the arts, highlighting both celebration and controversy across various sectors.
