--- title: "Freaks Film Breaks Box Office Records" url: https://noti.group/freaks-film-breaks-box-office-records/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-10-04T01:18:31.000Z updated: 2026-10-04T04:31:15.598Z id: bcfbbd6c-2c8e-47f5-b58d-b75105a60468 source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/freaks-zach-lipovsky-adam-b-stein-hollywood-1236721594/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/freaks-film-breaks-box-office-records/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Freaks Film Breaks Box Office Records The 2018 sci-fi thriller Freaks, directed by Zach Lipovsky, became an unexpected commercial success, earning over $375 million worldwide during its theatrical run. Zach Lipovsky has enjoyed significant commercial success with his gory horror movies, but one film stands out from the rest: his dark sci-fi thriller Freaks, released in 2018. The movie, which starred Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern, defied expectations by raking in over $375 million worldwide during its theatrical run. Lipovsky attributes the film's success to a pivotal moment in their careers. "That film changed our lives," he says, reflecting on the impact of Freaks. This sentiment is echoed by his long-time collaborator Adam B. Stein, although they are not quoted directly in this article. The making and release of Freaks marked a turning point for the filmmaking duo. The dystopian drama premiered at the Vancouver Film Festival (VIFF), an event that holds special significance for Lipovsky. Born and raised in Vancouver, he first attended VIFF as a teenager, where he witnessed filmmakers presenting their work on stage. Lipovsky's experience at VIFF provided him with invaluable insight into the world of cinema. "I remember seeing filmmakers up on the stage, presenting their films and wishing one day that would be me," he recalls. This exposure likely shaped his approach to filmmaking and ultimately contributed to the success of Freaks. The film's impact is still being felt today. Lipovsky and Stein are set to return to Vancouver with their follow-up, Freak 2, which will screen at the Rio Theatre on Saturday night. The event marks a triumphant homecoming for the duo, who have come full circle after achieving mainstream success. The plot of Freaks 2 has taken a significant turn, shifting focus from a mother-daughter relationship to a quest for friendship in a world where "freaks" are hunted down. The film's narrative is now centered around finding companionship and building relationships against all odds. This change marks a new direction for the story, departing from its initial theme of a girl seeking a mother. The sequel has been picked up by Paramount Pictures, with Amanda Crew reprising her role as a mother and Lorelei Olivia Mote playing her daughter. The storyline follows this family as they try to survive in a society that views them as abominations worthy of destruction. The characters' desire for revenge against those who have wronged them adds an element of tension and conflict. Lipovsky has revealed some details about the upcoming film, hinting at its darker themes and the challenges faced by the main characters. The tone of Freaks 2 appears to be more intense than its predecessor, with a greater emphasis on action and suspense. The success of Lipovsky and Stein's previous projects has undoubtedly contributed to their current status as sought-after directors. Their involvement in Final Destination Bloodlines, which grossed over $285 million worldwide, is a testament to their ability to deliver commercially successful films. Lipovsky's comments about the Sony lot and the team working on Freaks 2 suggest that he is still adjusting to the scale of his operation. Meeting nearly 20 years ago as rivals on On the Lot, Lipovsky and Stein have come a long way since then, now enjoying a level of success they could hardly have imagined at the time. It's a testament to their perseverance that Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein have achieved such success in Hollywood after years of struggling to make a name for themselves. Their film-making careers were put into perspective when they met as rivals on the TV show On the Lot nearly 20 years ago. Since then, they've worked tirelessly to build their craft, and it's paid off in a big way. The duo is now in high demand, with several projects in the works. They're adapting a long-lost short story for Amblin and Universal, writing for Chris Columbus' Gremlins 3, and working on an animated Venom movie and Metal Gear Solid film for Sony. Their rise to prominence can be attributed in part to the recent success of horror movies at the box office. Breakout hits like Backrooms and Obsession have shown that audiences are willing to take a chance on original content, and Hollywood is taking notice. Lipovsky believes that horror is one of the few genres where originality is truly valued by audiences. When writers and directors bring their unique voices to the table, it resonates with viewers and catches the attention of studios. As they prepare to screen Freaks 2 at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), Lipovsky will be accompanied by a special guest - his mother. She's been an unwavering source of support throughout his career, and it's clear that she's just as proud of him as he is of himself. A special screening for Freak 2 is set to take place at Vancouver's historic Park Theatre, an art deco gem that was previously on the brink of closure. Lipovsky, who played a key role in saving the theater as a private investor, will be returning to this iconic venue. The screening will bring together many individuals involved in the film, including some of Lipovsky's old friends and colleagues from the production. --- Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/freaks-zach-lipovsky-adam-b-stein-hollywood-1236721594/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/freaks-film-breaks-box-office-records/