“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” has made a remarkable debut at the North American box office, amassing an impressive $63 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend. This figure not only exceeds expectations but also establishes the film as the largest opening ever for the weekend following Thanksgiving. Furthermore, it represents the highest earnings for a PG-13 movie in 2025.
Despite receiving unfavorable reviews, the film has captivated audiences, leaving other releases trailing behind. In second place, “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.” With only a few weeks remaining in the year, the domestic box office has surpassed $8 billion.
Trump Hosts Kennedy Center Honors Celebrating Cultural Icons
In a significant cultural event, President Donald Trump hosted the annual Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing the achievements of several prominent figures, including actor Sylvester Stallone, rock band Kiss, and singer Gloria Gaynor. This marks a historic moment as Trump becomes the first sitting president to host the gala, which took place in Washington.
The honorees are celebrated for their substantial contributions to American culture and the arts. The event is expected to be particularly poignant for the members of Kiss, following the recent passing of their original lead guitarist, Ace Frehley.
Musical Legends and Literary Luminaries Remembered
In a separate but equally significant moment for the music community, the legendary salsa musician Rafael Ithier passed away at the age of 99. Ithier was a foundational figure in the renowned salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, inspiring many contemporary artists, including Bad Bunny.
Meanwhile, Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai, the 2025 Nobel Prize for Literature laureate, delivered a rare public lecture in Stockholm. Speaking on themes such as angels and rebellion, Krasznahorkai’s work has been praised for its surrealism and depth. The Nobel Prize ceremonies will take place on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
The cultural scene in Milan also celebrated the premiere of Dmitry Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” at Teatro alla Scala. The audience responded with a 12-minute standing ovation, applauding both the director Vasily Barkhatov and U.S. soprano Sara Jakubiak for her remarkable debut.
In a more controversial note, American playwright Jeremy O. Harris was arrested in Japan on November 16 on suspicion of smuggling ecstasy. The authorities detained him at Naha Airport with 0.0275 ounces of MDMA. The case has drawn attention, and Harris’s representatives have yet to comment on the situation.
Lastly, Vanity Fair announced it is parting ways with West Coast editor Olivia Nuzzi amid controversy regarding her previous coverage of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nuzzi’s contract will expire at the end of the year, following revelations of a personal relationship with Kennedy, who currently serves as the head of the Department of Health and Human Resources.
As 2025 draws to a close, the entertainment landscape continues to evolve dramatically, with record-breaking films, celebrated figures, and notable controversies shaping the cultural dialogue.
