The world was most definitely watching.
Following astounding takes at both midnight showings and overall on opening day, The Hunger Games has shocked even its most ardent followers by earning $155 million between Friday and Sunday, the third biggest opening of all-time in Hollywood.
“It was the perfect storm. Having the first film in a franchise to be so gigantic is amazing. We had a great book and a great director in Gary Ross,” said Lionsgate president of marketing Tim Palen.
Last year, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 set the mark for best debut with $169.2 million; while The Dark Knight took in $158.4 million in 2008.
But The Hunger Games is now the record-holder for opening weekends in terms of non-summer films and non-sequels. It shot past Spider-Man 3 ($151.1 million in 2007), The Twilight Saga: New Moon ($142.8 million in 2009) and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 ($138.1 million last year) late on Saturday.
Yes, Katniss Everdeen may be The Girl on Fire. But she’s also starring in The Movie on Fire, that’s for sure. Here’s a look at the top 10 box office results from an incredible weekend:
- The Hunger Games: $155 million.
- 21 Jump Street: $21.3 million.
- Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax: $13.1 million
- John Carter: $5 million
- Act of Valor: $2.1 million
- Project X: $1.95 million
- A Thousand Words: $1.93 million
- Safe House: $1.39 million
- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: $1.37 million
- Casa de Mi Padre: $1.1 million