The Disney/Marvel collaboration, starring Chadwick Boseman as the superhero king of an idyllic if fictional African country, took in an estimated US$65.7 million (RM256.6 million) for the three-day weekend, website Exhibitor Relations reported.

That take, nearly four times the US$17 million (RM66.4 million) earned by “Red Sparrow” from Fox, gave “Panther” the third-highest weekend ever, trailing only “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (US$90.2 million [RM352.3 million]) and “Avatar” (US$68.5 million [RM267.5 million]), according to Variety.com.

“Panther”, which also stars Lupita Nyong’o, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya, and Martin Freeman, has now taken in nearly US$900 million (RM3.5 billion) globally, with its opening in China still days away.

Second-placed “Red Sparrow” tells the story of Russian ballerina-turned-elite spy Jennifer Lawrence. She is backed by an all-star cast including Matthias Schoenaerts, Jeremy Irons, and Charlotte Rampling.

In third spot was MGM’s new release “Death Wish,” with ticket sales of US$13 million (RM50.8 million). The thriller stars Bruce Willis as a doctor who goes vigilante after an attack on his family. The cast includes Vincent D’Onofrio and Elisabeth Shue.

Next was comedy thriller “Game Night” from Warner Bros., taking in US$10.7 million (RM41.8 million). The movie, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, tells the story of six friends who get together for beer and games and stumble into a reality game where lives may be at stake.

In fifth place was Sony’s “Peter Rabbit,” taking in US$10 million (RM39 million) in its fourth week out. The film, which mixes live actors with computer-generated animation, is based loosely on the children’s book by Beatrix Potter.