Monsters v Superheroes: World War Z and Man of Steel fail to triumph at the box office as Monsters University takes the top spot
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The surprise winner at the US box office this weekend is Monsters University which, according to early estimates, has beaten apocalyptic thriller World War Z and Superman reboot Man of Steel to lead the takings.
The Pixar prequel to Monsters Inc took $82 million (£53 million) in ticket sales, beating World War Z’s $66 million (£42.9 million) and Man of Steel’s $41.2 million (£26.8 million).
Monsters University, featuring the voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman, is Pixar’s 14th consecutive film to head the box office at its weekend debut.
Dave Hollis, executive vice president of distribution for Walt Disney Studios, said: “It definitely exceeded our expectations. The first film was so beloved and set such a high bar so we’re ecstatic.”
Despite coming second at the box office to Monsters University, World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, achieved better ticket sales than analysts predicted.
World War Z studios Paramount Pictures predicted sales in the $40 million region given the competition from Monsters University and Man of Steel. But results exceeded targets by over $20 million.
Don Harris, president of distribution for Paramount, said: “I don’t think there’s a person on the planet who thought this would open at $66 million.”
In terms of Paramount’s recent blockbusters, he added, it ranked behind Iron Man and Transformers as “the third largest potential franchise opening in the history of the company”.
Warner Bros’ Man of Steel, starring British actor Henry Cavill, came third in the US box office weekend sales, bringing its North America revenue to more than $210 million (£136m).
This is the End, an apocalyptic comedy written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, came fourth with takings of $13 million (£8.5m).
Now You See Me, a thriller starring Jesse Eisenberg, took $7.87 million (£5.1m) to secure fifth place.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments