The only wide release debut of the weekend, X-Men: First Class, grossed a decent $56m at the box office. After 20th Century Fox’s last two quality blows to the franchise, it is not a surprising number. Although Bryan Singer‘s first film made a lesser $54.4m in its debut, that number is more impressive over 10 years ago.
In other blockbuster news, The Hangover Part II dropped a hefty 62.2 percent, bringing its total to nearly $200m. Kung Fu Panda crossed the $100m this weekend, while Bridesmaids had another minuscule drop of 26.7 percent and crossing the same milestone.
In limited releases, Midnight in Paris is still on fire, expanding to 147 theaters and bringing in nearly $3m. The Tree of Life also continues its strong run, expanding to 20 theaters and making $621k. Beginners had an average debut of $135k in 5 theaters, while Submarine (one of my early favorites of the year) sadly only debuted to $40.8k in 4 theaters.
Next week sees the release of J.J. Abrams‘ highly anticipated debut Super 8, as well as Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. For an original property with no big names other than Abrams and Steven Spielberg, it is difficult to predict how it will do. Strong word of mouth for X-Men may help it continue its reign. In limited releases we have The Trip, The Troll Hunter, and Viva Riva!.
Check out the Top 10 below (rank. title – wknd gross – lifetime gross)
1. X-Men: First Class – $56m (debut)
2. The Hangover Part II – $32.4m – $186.87m
3. Kung Fu Panda 2 – $24.3m – $100.4m
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – $18m – $190.25m
5. Bridesmaids – $12.12 – $107.25m
6. Thor – $4.2m- $169m
7. Fast Five – $3.24m – $202m
8. Midnight in Paris – $2.9m – $6.9m
9. Jumping the Broom – $865k – $35.9m
10. Something Borrowed – $835k – $36.6m
Do you think X-Men will stay on top next weekend, or will Super 8 sneak in?