The horror sequel “Black Phone 2” topped the North American box office charts this weekend with $26.5 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. Not only did it surpass the original's $23.6 million debut, it's a much-needed win for Blumhouse after a string of disappointments this year like “M3GAN 2.0.”

What You Need To Know • Universal Pictures says Sunday that “Black Phone 2” has topped the North American box office with an estimated $26.5 million in ticket sales • The film starring Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames opened in 3,411 theaters and received positive reviews four years after the original became a sleeper success • “Black Phone 2” also earned $15.5 million internationally, bringing its worldwide total to $42 million against a $30 million budget • “Tron:

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