That take for the sequel to the hugely popular “Black Panther” – with the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda again fighting for its survival – was a bit below industry expectations despite a current global total of US$546 million, trade publications said.
But it was still more than seven times its closest competitor in North American theatres, Searchlight’s new horror-comedy film “The Menu,” which took in US$9 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period.
“The Menu” stars Ralph Fiennes as a celebrity chef who prepares an elaborate – and increasingly creepy – meal for a group of wealthy, entitled people (including Anya Taylor-Joy of “The Queen’s Gambit”) who have no idea what, or who, is about to be served.
In third place was a surprise success, “The Chosen Season 3: Episodes 1 & 2,” a crowd-funded Christian movie that pulled in US$8.2 million. “By Christian drama film standards, it’s a very good opening,” said David A Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.
In its fifth week out, Warner Bros.’ superhero film “Black Adam” placed fourth, at US$4.5 million. Dwayne Johnson stars in the “Shazam!” spinoff.
In fifth place was Universal rom-com “Ticket to Paradise,” at US$3.2 million. Julia Roberts and George Clooney star.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
- “She Said” (US$2.3 million)
- “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” (US$1.9 million)
- “Smile” (US$1.2 million)
- “Drishyam 2” (US$1.1 million)
- “Prey for the Devil” (US$935,000)