Zach Cregger’s “Weapons” has officially launched on JioHotstar, bringing one of 2025’s most talked-about horror films to Indian streaming audiences. With compelling performances from Josh Brolin and Julia Garner anchoring an exceptional ensemble cast, the film exceeded all commercial projections by grossing over $269 million during its global theatrical release while also earning critical praise for its atmospheric tension and psychological complexity.
JioHotstar made the announcement via their Instagram platform, sharing gripping scenes from the film alongside a caption that hints at its dark mysteries: “Everyone’s looking for answers while evil lurks in the town of Maybrook.” The streaming release gives Indian viewers who missed the theatrical experience an opportunity to discover why “Weapons” generated such significant cultural conversation and became one of the year’s defining horror releases.
The foundation of “Weapons” is built upon a premise that taps into deep-seated fears about the safety of children. In the fictional town of Maybrook, seventeen young people vanish on the same night, leaving their beds to run into the darkness in what appears to be a synchronized disappearance. This mass vanishing occurs without warning or explanation, leaving behind devastated families and a community desperate for answers that may not exist. Director Cregger uses this setup to explore not just supernatural horror but the very human tendency to turn on one another when faced with incomprehensible tragedy.
Julia Garner’s performance as the school teacher caught in the center of community suspicion represents some of her most powerful work. Her character becomes a scapegoat for the town’s grief and anger, facing accusations and hostility from people who once trusted her with their children’s education and wellbeing. The supporting ensemble—featuring Josh Brolin, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan—creates a rich tapestry of characters whose responses to the tragedy feel authentic and grounded, even as the narrative ventures into supernatural territory.
The business story behind “Weapons” rivals its on-screen drama in terms of intrigue and high stakes. When the script entered the marketplace in January 2023, it triggered a bidding war between major studios, with New Line Cinema ultimately offering $38 million to secure the project—$7 million more than Universal’s competing bid backed by acclaimed filmmaker Jordan Peele. That substantial investment proved well-calculated when the film grossed $269 million worldwide, establishing itself as 2025’s second-highest-earning horror film after Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” which collected $366.7 million globally. The film’s success has validated New Line’s aggressive acquisition strategy and confirmed Cregger’s position as a major creative force in horror cinema.