
Longlegs
Synopsis
In pursuit of a serial killer, an FBI agent uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree.
Production Budget Analysis
What was the production budget for Longlegs?
Directed by Osgood Perkins, with Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood leading the cast, Longlegs was produced by C2 Motion Picture Group with a confirmed budget of $10,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for crime films.
At $10,000,000, Longlegs was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $25,000,000.
Budget Comparison — Similar Productions
• By the Sea (2015): Budget $10,000,000 | Gross $3,727,746 → ROI: -63% • Eye for an Eye (2025): Budget $10,000,000 | Gross N/A • Goal! (2005): Budget $10,000,000 | Gross $27,610,873 → ROI: 176% • Phantom (2013): Budget $10,000,000 | Gross $1,197,759 → ROI: -88% • War of the Worlds (2025): Budget $10,000,000 | Gross N/A
Key Budget Allocation Categories
▸ Talent & Director Compensation Thrillers depend on compelling lead performances to sustain tension, making cast compensation a primary budget concern. Directors with proven thriller credentials command premium fees.
▸ Cinematography & Location Photography Thriller aesthetics demand specific visual languages — surveillance-style photography, claustrophobic framing, or expansive location work across multiple cities or countries.
▸ Editorial & Sound Post-Production Precision editing — controlling information flow, building suspense through pacing, and orchestrating reveals — requires extended post-production schedules.
Key Production Personnel
CAST: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Michelle Choi-Lee Key roles: Maika Monroe as Agent Lee Harker; Nicolas Cage as Longlegs; Blair Underwood as Agent Carter; Alicia Witt as Ruth Harker
DIRECTOR: Osgood Perkins CINEMATOGRAPHY: Andres Arochi MUSIC: Elvis Perkins, Osgood Perkins EDITING: Graham Fortin, Greg Ng PRODUCTION: C2 Motion Picture Group, Saturn Films, Oddfellows Entertainment, Traffic., Range Media Partners FILMED IN: Canada, United States of America
Box Office Performance
Longlegs earned $74,346,140 domestically and $53,615,796 internationally, for a worldwide total of $127,961,936. Revenue was split 58% domestic / 42% international.
Break-Even Analysis
Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Longlegs needed approximately $25,000,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $102,961,936.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Revenue: $127,961,936 Budget: $10,000,000 Net: $117,961,936 ROI: 1179.6%
Profitability Assessment
VERDICT: Highly Profitable
Longlegs was a clear financial success, generating $127,961,936 worldwide against a $10,000,000 production budget — a 1180% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to C2 Motion Picture Group.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
The outsized success of Longlegs likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar crime projects.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Summary: 10 wins & 31 nominations total









































































































































































































































































































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