The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend. Click here for the full box office estimates of the top 12 films and then check back on Monday for the final figures based on actual box office.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ Watchmen dominated the domestic box office this weekend, but was held back by its long 2:40 running time and less showings. The Zack Snyder-directed graphic novel adaptation earned an estimated $55.7 million from 3,611 theaters, for an average of $15,413 per location. Made for about $150 million, Watchmen marks the third-highest March opening of all time, trailing just Snyder’s own 300 ($70.9 million) and Ice Age: The Meltdown ($68 million). The debut is also the sixth best for an R-rated film. IMAX theaters accounted for $5.5 million of the film’s $55.7 million opening, which is the company’s best opening-weekend number after The Dark Knight‘s $6.3 million. Internationally, Watchmen topped the box office as well with $27.5 million from 5,097 theaters in 45 markets. Worldwide, the film has earned $83.2 million after three days.
Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail added another $8.8 million in second place to bring its total to $76.5 million after three weeks.
20th Century Fox’s Taken, starring Liam Neeson, climbed a spot from fourth to third with $7.5 million in its sixth weekend. The successful action-thriller has collected a strong $118 million.
Fox Searchlight’s Slumdog Millionaire took a 42.4% dip in sales for the first time, but still made $6.9 million in its 17th weekend in theaters. The Danny Boyle Oscar winner, produced for about $15 million, is now up to $125.4 million.
Columbia Pictures’ Paul Blart: Mall Cop, starring Kevin James, climbed back into the top five with $4.2 million. The $26 million comedy has earned $133.6 million after eight weeks.
Last week’s openers took big tumbles this weekend. Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience lost 77.7% of its first weekend ticket sales to add just $2.8 million for a total of $16.8 million, while Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li lost 71.1% and earned just $1.4 million to bring its total to $7.1 million.
Click here for the full box office results of the top 12 films.
