The blockbuster horror film Weapons, which famously sparked one of the most intense bidding wars in recent Hollywood history, has now made its highly anticipated debut on the JioHotstar streaming platform in India. Directed by the visionary Zach Cregger, the film became a sensation long before cameras even started rolling, primarily due to the aggressive battle for its rights in January 2023. Universal Pictures and New Line Cinema were locked in a high-stakes competition to acquire the project, with celebrated director Jordan Peele also vying to produce. In the end, New Line Cinema secured the rights with a jaw-dropping offer of $38 million, outbidding Universal by a significant margin of $7 million. Now, Indian viewers can finally stream the movie that the industry fought so hard to control.
The film’s plot is a disturbing exploration of loss and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of the quiet American town of Maybrook. The story kicks into gear with a truly nightmare-inducing incident: on a random Wednesday morning, 17 children abruptly wake from their sleep and run out of their houses into the darkness. They vanish without a trace, leaving behind distraught families and a baffled police force. The narrative weaves a complex web of mystery as the town struggles to comprehend how so many children could disappear simultaneously. The psychological toll on the residents is palpable, creating an atmosphere of constant dread that permeates every scene of the movie.
At the center of this storm is the character played by the talented Julia Garner, who portrays the class teacher of the vanished students. As the investigation stalls and desperation sets in, the town’s suspicion turns toward her, making her the focal point of intense allegations and scrutiny. Garner’s nuanced performance perfectly conveys the terror of an innocent person trapped in a nightmare scenario. acting alongside her is Josh Brolin, who delivers a powerful performance that anchors the film. The cast is rounded out by exceptional actors including Benedict Wong, Austin Abrams, and Amy Madigan, all of whom contribute to the film’s critical acclaim.
The commercial success of Weapons has been nothing short of phenomenal, justifying the massive price tag New Line Cinema paid to acquire it. Upon its theatrical release in the summer of 2025, the film resonated strongly with audiences around the globe, grossing an impressive $269.1 million. This stellar performance placed it firmly among the top-tier horror releases of the year, ranking as the second highest-grossing film in the genre, just behind Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which earned $366.7 million. The film’s ability to draw such large crowds to theaters is a testament to its gripping storytelling and effective horror elements.
With its release on JioHotstar, Weapons is set to find a new legion of fans in the digital space. The platform announced the arrival of the film with a spooky promotional clip on Instagram, inviting subscribers to uncover the secrets of Maybrook. For movie lovers who track the business of cinema as closely as the art itself, Weapons represents a fascinating case study of a high-risk investment yielding high rewards. Whether you are interested in the industry backstory or simply looking for a terrifying movie night, Weapons delivers on all fronts.