Avatar claims worldwide opening of $232 million
Avatar claims worldwide opening of $232 million
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Monday, 21, Dec 2009 09:30
By Lewis Bazley.
James Cameron's groundbreaking sci-fi epic Avatar has stormed to the top of the US box office with opening weekend takings of $73 million.
The 20th Century Fox film easily outgunnned its rivals in its first three days on release to debut at the top of the US charts. Avatar also grossed $232 million worldwide, claiming the best ever global debut for a non-sequel.
"It is a movie unto itself," said Fox co-chairman and chief executive Tom Rothman.
"Originality always has the greatest risk, but it also has the greatest upside. And we couldn't have dreamed of a better start," he said. "This film, in particular, was made to go the distance."
Avatar's box office strength will be truly tested over the coming weeks, with eastern blizzards in the US inhibiting cinemagoers. End-of-year releases also frequently a surge in takings between Christmas and new year.
The only other new entry in this week's US box office top ten was Hugh Grant-Sarah Jessica Parker romantic comedy Did You Hear About the Morgans?, which debuted in fourth.
The top ten films in the US box office are: (last week's position)
1 Avatar - $73 million (-)
2 The Princess And The Frog - $12.2 million (1)
3 The Blind Side - $10.3 million (2)
4 Did You Hear About The Morgans? - $7 million (-)
5 The Twilight Saga: New Moon - $4.4 million (4)
6 Invictus - $4.2 million (3)
7 A Christmas Carol - $3.4 million (5)
8 Up In The Air - $3.1 million (11)
9 Brothers - $2.6 million (6)
10 Old Dogs - $2.3 million (7)