The Only Explainer You Need Before Weapons

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Based on the wild twists and peculiar conclusion of Zack Cregger’s previous horror movie “Barbarian”, it seems that “Weapons” could be one of the most unexpected films this summer. We won’t (and shouldn’t) reveal those surprises, but a YouTube video can provide all the necessary information to prepare you for the film before its theater release on August 8.

Despite some major flops in 2025, Warner Bros. has experienced great success at the box office this year. This is thanks to not only anticipated franchise hits like “Superman” and “A Minecraft Movie,” but also to original films such as “Sinners” and “F1.” Another original film, “Weapons,” is also a big hit, although there’s speculation it might be connected to the cinematic universe of “Barbarian.” However, director Cregger remains tight-lipped about this theory.

Meanwhile, excitement continues to grow among horror enthusiasts: Jordan Peele, being such a fan of the “Weapons” script, dismissed his managers when they couldn’t secure the rights. Eventually, Warner Bros.’ subsidiary, New Line Cinema, invested $38 million to acquire and produce this ambitious horror movie. Early projections suggest that “Weapons” will generate at least $25 million in its U.S. box office debut, a figure that might rise as more people talk about it.

What is Weapons about?

The movie, titled “Weapons,” commences with the baffling vanishing of 17 third-graders at 2:17 a.m., an event that shocks the town of Maybrook. Similar to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia,” the film intertwines various narratives revolving around individuals impacted by this incident, such as parent Archer Graff (portrayed by Josh Brolin), teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner), police officer Paul Morgan (Alden Ehrenreich), school principal Marcus (Menedict Wong), and drug dealer Anthony (Austin Abrams).

Although the trailers may give the impression that the film is a true story, Zach Cregger revealed to Entertainment Weekly that certain parts of it are based on personal experiences and tragedies. Cregger hinted that there’s more to the plot beyond the initial mystery of the missing children, stating that “The movie will diverge, evolve, and take unexpected turns… By halfway through, we’ve delved into much wilder territory than just that.

Initially slated for release in January 2026, the anticipation for “Weapons” grew so much following test screenings that Warner Bros. decided to bring it forward to a premium late summer release on August 8, 2025. The early response on social media is overwhelmingly positive. Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier commented, “#WeaponsMovie is beyond twisted and I loved every minute of it,” while critic Griffin Schiller hailed it as “a horror masterpiece and the best film of the year.” However, there seems to be a divide among viewers regarding the ending. Some, like Slashfilm’s Chris Evangelista, found it hilariously disturbing, while Next Best Picture’s Matt Neglia felt that it slightly dampened the overall experience. Make sure to check out Looper’s video explanation before you watch “Weapons.

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2025-07-25 00:30