“Weapons” Movie Ending Explained: Director Zach Cregger Breaks Down the Chilling Truth Behind Gladys
A spellbinding Finale That Redefines Psychological Horror
In Weapons filmmaker Zach Cregger does not deliver a supernatural thrilling twist he opens a deep personal allegory.
The mysterious vanishing of 17 school kids become battleground between innocence and omnipresent darkness.

Children disappear in weapon films
Box Office & Critical Victory: Why “Weapons” Resonates Now
Praise from Critics: 95% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes trailing on behind 97% of Sinners.
Opening Weekend Success
$42.5 million domestically $70 million globally.
Its Warner bros sixth movie of year to launch above $40M domestically.
The movie surpasses Cregger previous hit Barbarian which gained $40.8M during domestic opening.
A violent Cathartic Conclusion
Alex the unvanished kid turns Glady magic against her open up a grisly liberating vengeance cia the entranced children.
The sequel nugget? They may be rescued but never recovered from brainwashing.
Cregger does not close loop he leaves you unsettled by choice.
The Supernatural Enigma of Gladys: Witch or Symbol of Addiction
Gladdy portrayed wiht eerie precision by Amy Madigan captivates and terrifies. She wield a tree that leeched lifeforce and manipulates loved ones into soulless puppets.
Whtether she is twisted aunt or something more inhuman remain unclear Cregger intentionally preserves the enigma.
Auto Biographical Horror: Addiction Worn as a Mask
The final act reflects Cregger childhood trauma living with alcoholic parent where the kid becomes the caregiver a role reversal steeped in emotional dread.
This unforgettable line reframes Gladys not just threat but living metaphor for substance fueld dysfunction.
Addiction is spell caster Cregger unveils.
Gall of Fame Casting: Why Amy Madigan Was Perfect
Cregger saw ideal blend warmth from Field of Dreams weight from Gone Baby Gone and terror from Carnivale.
He knew within ten minutes of meeting her over lunch Madigan had to play Gladys.

Children disappear in weapon films
Two Theories: Desperation or Alien Horror
Cregger presented Madigan with two distinct backstories bothing chilling
A desperate human using dark magic to surviva illness.
Exclusive Insights You Won’t Find Elsewhere
Insight
$70M global debut vs modest marketing
Reflects how horror and viral word of mouth drive modern box office success universally appealing yet undervalued in traditional campaigns.

Children disappear in weapon films
95% Rotten Tomatoes vs 97% for Sinners
Highlights weapans as one of 2025 most acclaimed genre films an underdog with critical legitimacy.
Weapons 2025 Box Office Surprise $70M Haul on a $38M Budget Horror Silent Giant of the Year
Weapons has grossed $70M worldwide on $38M budget. See how it outperformed expectations in US and global markets and why it is 2025 most profitable horror movie so far.
Why Is Weapons Outperforming?
Low budget high stakes classic profitability model
Creepy but emotional p
Compelliny story with rewatch value
Psychological horror meets supernatural thriler.
Plot Performance and Why Audiences are Hooked
Weapons horror movie ending explained and Amy Madigan horror movie performance are strong supporting keywords.
Amy Madigan portrayal of terrifying Glady is drawing praise while Josh Brolin and Julia Garner give movie emotional weight.
Box Office Stats: Weapons Financial Performance Breakdown
Region Earnings
Domestic $42.5 million
Global Total $70 million
International $27.5 million
Product Budget $38 million
Profit Margin +84%
Why Weapons Outshines Bigger Titles Like Freakier Friday
Film Budget Global Earnings Profitability Ratio
Weapons      $38M      $70M                    1.84X
Freakier Friday $42M     $44,5M                  1.06x
Fantastic Four  $200M    +$434.2 M               2.17X
International Highlights: Horror Is not Just an American Game Anymore
Despite the genre usual dominance in US Weapon is getting progress in foreign countries where horror oftern underperforms.
Key International Markets
France $2million
Mexico $2.7 million Uk $3.6 million
Australia $1.8 millions
Weapons international box office earnings is now a breakout keyword.
Week by Week Box Office Growth US + Global
Week 1 Domestic International Global Total
Week 1 $25MÂ Â Â Â $14MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $39M
Week 2 $17.5MÂ Â $13.5MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $70M
Is Weapons a box office success?
Yes Weapons has gained $70 million worldwide on $38 million budget making it one of profitable horror films of 2025.
Who plays the witch in Weapons?
Amy Madigan portrays the Gladys a role that being buzzed about for awards contention.
How much did Weapons make internationally?
The movie earned $27.5 million across 73 global markes with performances in Mexico, France Australia and UK.